Herod the Great: A Brilliant Architect or a Madman History Essay (Essay Sample)

HEROD THE GREAT
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Herod the Great: A Brilliant Architect or a Madman
Introduction
Herod the Great is one of the significant characters in the history of the Jews. He was the Roman leader of Palestine during the time of Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus at the birth of Jesus. (Luke 3:1). He was ambitious, cruel and paranoid although he remains an important person in the Roman history. As a political leader in the Roman Empire, Herod's rise to power occurred against the backdrop of the civil war that would change Rome from a republic into an Empire. History shows that Herod the Great had initially sided with Antony but switched allegiance later to support Octavian. His support for Octavian gave him a confirmation as the king of Judea. His rule began at around 37 BCE until his death in 4BCE implying that he was in power for more than 30 years. Herod the Great was known as a master builder during his reign. His notable achievement was the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem for many years. He also built and expanded the Caesarea city into a port town on the Mediterranean Sea. Besides being a brilliant architect, the most people referred to him as a madman because the Jews people considered his policies as cruel and ruthless.
Herod, the Brilliant Architect
Herod the Great is mostly identified as the great builder of ancient time in Israel. His greatness was found in the public works, and, in that capacity, he was brilliant. The remains of the structures he constructed dominate part of the architectural landscape in the present era. Although these structures were built many years ago, their size and grandeur still amaze people. It seems that he used unique materials at the time of construction and these resources could bear weather conditions; thus, preventing the building from external damage or collapsing. Indeed, it is these remains that have made the Jews call him the Brilliant architecture.