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King Herod may have been buried in a crypt with lavish Roman-style wall paintings of a kind previously unseen in the Middle East, Israeli archaeologists said Wednesday. The scientists found such paintings and signs of a regal two-story mausoleum, bolstering their conviction that the ancient Jewish monarch was buried there.
Ehud Netzer, head of Jerusalem's Hebrew University excavation team, which uncovered the site of the king's winter palace in the Judean desert in 2007, said the latest finds show work and funding fit for a king.
"What we found here, spread all around, are architectural fragments that enable us to restore a monument of 25 meters high, 75 feet high, very elegant, which fits Herod's taste and status," he told The Associated Press in an interview at the hillside dig in an Israeli-controlled part of the West Bank, south of Jerusalem.
No human remains or inscriptions have been found to prove conclusively that the tomb was Herod's, but excavation continues.
Herod is known for extensive building throughout the Holy Land.
Netzer said that since finding fragments of one ornately carved sarcophagus in 2007, he and his team have found two more, suggesting the monumental tomb may have been a royal family vault.
"A mausoleum like the one which we have here was generally built by a king but not (necessarily) only for himself, many times for his children and his family, like the famous mausoleum of Augustus in Rome, of Hadrian in Rome," he said. "It's not a surprise that we found here more than one sarcophagus."
Herod was the Jewish proxy ruler of the Holy Land under imperial Roman occupation from 37 B.C. and reigned for more than six decades. He is known to have had a taste for extravagance.
Netzer described the winter palace, built on a largely man-made hill 2,230 feet high, as a kind of "country club," with a pool, baths, gardens fed by pools and aqueducts and a 650-seat theater.
In Herod's private box at the auditorium, diggers discovered delicate frescoes depicting windows opening on to painted landscapes, one of which shows what appears to be a southern Italian farm, said Roi Porat, one of Netzer's assistants on the digs. Just visible in the paintings, dating between 15 and 10 B.C., are a dog, bushes and what looks like a country villa.
Site surveyor Rachel Chachy-Laureys said the paintings were executed using techniques unknown in the Holy Land at the time and must have been done by artisans imported from Rome.
"There has been no other discovery of this type of painting in the Middle East, as far as we know, until now", she said.
Gidon Foerster, a professor of archaeology at the Hebrew University not connected with this dig, agreed that the art is "unique" for the region. "King Herod is said to have been buried there and this proves it as much as it can possibly be proved," he said.
The Herod of Christian tradition was a bloodthirsty megalomanic, who flew into a frenzy when he met the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem carrying gifts for the baby Jesus and telling of the birth of a new king of Israel.
Herod purportedly ordered the slaying of all children in his realm younger than 2. But historians are not convinced of the story's accuracy.
After Herod's death in the 1st century B.C., Herodium became a stronghold for Jewish rebels fighting Roman occupation, and the palace site suffered significant battle damage before it was destroyed by Roman soldiers in A.D. 71, a year after they razed the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
The insurgents reviled the memory of Herod as a Roman puppet, and Netzer and his team believe that the violence inflicted on the first stone casket they found suggests the rebels knew it held the king's bones.
"That sarcophagus was found shattered all over the place. It seems it was taken from its place and was destroyed in a fit of rage," Porat said. "That, among other things, is what tells us it was the sarcophagus of Herod."
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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{"commentId":4130759,"authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
He really wasnt a bad guy once you got to know him. It just wasnt a good idea to mention the J.C. word when he was around.
{"commentId":4130759,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
- 2 votes
#1 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:46 PM EST{"commentId":4131263,"authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
Please keep in mind the subjective slant in which he was written about in the Bible. All good fiction needs bad guys to stand in the way of heroes.
It is unfortunate that so many people believe that Pilate offered to free JC and the Jews were responsible for his death. A "custom of release" is nonsense and the charges against JC had to have been more serious than blasphemy or the Jewish elders could have stoned him to death themselves.
Most likely, he was charged with sedition. He was subject to Roman law, arrested by Romans authorities, judged by a Roman pro-curate, and crucified by Romans. The early Christian church white washed the true responsibility of the Romans since that was the base of most of their converts.
{"commentId":4131263,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
- 3 votes
#2 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:21 PM EST{"commentId":4131785,"authorDomain":"debbiedarter"}
bluearcher,
You stated, "Most likely, he was charged with sedition." According to the online dictionary, the definition of sedition is,"speech, writing, or behaviour intended to encourage rebellion or resistance against the government". Isn't that what George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson and a bunch of their friends did to King George back in the 1700's???
{"commentId":4131785,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"debbiedarter"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4162223,"authorDomain":"ilive2smile"}
Interesting.
Hi Blue! It's lalalulu!
:)
{"commentId":4162223,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"ilive2smile"}
{"commentId":4132018,"authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
The point wasn't so much what he was charged with but who has ultimate responsibility for his (supposed) death. The issue was subjective slant and an example of it and not if he deserved to die for it.
The Romans were culpable, not the Jews.
{"commentId":4132018,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
- 5 votes
#3 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:21 PM EST{"commentId":4132299,"authorDomain":"debbiedarter"}
bluearcher,
You are right and I am on your side. I love Jewish people. All the Jewish people I have ever met were kind, gentle, non-violent people. It scares the hell out of me that the U.S. who has sided with the Jews throughout the ages are now turning their backs on them.
Ole' Granny has to take meds and go to bed, so I'll see you in the morning! Have a good evening.
{"commentId":4132299,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"debbiedarter"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":4162265,"authorDomain":"ilive2smile"}
Agreed.
When I was little I was taught that the Jews killed JC. This was such a horrible thing for me to hear, as my entire friend set was Jewish. Fortunately, even as a 3rd grader I discerned the truth. I can not imagine my life without all the boyfriends and girlfriends who have been amazing to me!
{"commentId":4162265,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"ilive2smile"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4132452,"authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
Of the three "religions of Abraham", you have to respect the Jews for a generally laid back approach to getting others to see the aspects of their religion.
Ever heard of a Jewish suicide bomber or a Jewish pro-lifer shoot a doctor or bomb a clinic?
Jews never refer to others as infidels and never ask you "Are you Jewish". Live and let live with whatever faith you choose...even if you don't have one.
{"commentId":4132452,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
- 4 votes
#4 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:55 PM EST{"commentId":4133332,"authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
Amen to that. I have always wondered though to what degree Christianity could have been a much different force in the world, if it had not got hijacked into the Roman Empire. Plus, there must have been quite an effect from the violent interaction of the Muslims who converted at swordpoint. So that which started out as a peaceful path underwent some painful changes.
{"commentId":4133332,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4133508,"authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
Hmmm...I do see your point in regards to the "hijacking" by the Roman Empire. I assume you refer to the consolidation of Christianity with the cult of Sol Invictus and Mithra under Constantine's rule. Thus leading to a combination of rites, canon and celebrations.
It would have been interesting to see what direction the Gnostics would have taken the faith if allowed to thrive within the Empire.
In regards to the Muslims, I think the Korans interpretation breakdowns result from Arabic not being a homogeneous written language at the time and the split of the two faiths (Shi'a and Sunni).
{"commentId":4133508,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":4133959,"authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
The romans were always smart enough to know a good tool when they came across one. Think of all the technology they took from others in their conquests and assimulated into their industries. It was also common for them to let conquered people keep their faith or in some cases they also added into their own religion, so that they could keep everyone happy. But whatever religion they embraced, then that religion also marched with them into their wars and conquest. And I would have to call that a definite deviation from the founding Christian principles. Insofar as the Muslim method of conversion, I have found myself curious about the origins. I need to take the time to read when and why that came about.
{"commentId":4133959,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
{"commentId":4133637,"authorDomain":"kpr37"}
I just want to thank every one of you, this is the best thread I've read.
if newsvine was like this more often I would not snap every once in a while.
people talking about something( religion) in a civil manner.amazing
I will remember this. it will help keep me sane
{"commentId":4133637,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"kpr37"}
- 1 vote
#5 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:38 PM EST{"commentId":4133703,"authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
It's the political threads that tend to get critical and overly emotional.
Like my Grandpa always said..."Never talk politics and religion with strangers, you just make fast enemies". I just have a hard time following the advice. Ha!
{"commentId":4133703,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4133682,"authorDomain":"kpr37"}
I just want to thank every one of you, this is the best thread I've read.
if newsvine was like this more often I would not snap every once in a while.
people talking about something( religion) in a civil manner.amazing
I will remember this. it will help keep me sane
{"commentId":4133682,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"kpr37"}
- 1 vote
#6 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:40 PM EST{"commentId":4134000,"authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
There is no real reason why most conversations cant be shared ideas , or a picture painted by one who is doing no more than sharing an observation.
{"commentId":4134000,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
#7 - Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:13 PM EST{"commentId":4137574,"authorDomain":"timmee23"}
Interesting how STEVE WEIZMAN is so quick to discount the Biblical history by facts. I would like to know where he got that there were THREE wisemen. Sorry, that's just a song. There were three gifts. Do you really think they would travel alone across the desert with such expensive cargo. This was probably a group of wise men, their assistant, slaves and security detail. But I guess facts don't sell articles.
{"commentId":4137574,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"timmee23"}
- 1 vote
#8 - Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:53 AM EST{"commentId":4138723,"authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
Good point! They must have their retinue with them. Who is Weizman, I am not familiar with the name?
{"commentId":4138723,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
{"commentId":4144919,"authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
Actually, the myth of the three wise men is derived from the three main stars in the belt of the constellation Orion. The three stars align with the star Sirius (which represented Bethlehem [translated "house of bread]).
That is where the myth of JC's birth in Bethlehem is derived from.
{"commentId":4144919,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"greenarcher170"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4141941,"authorDomain":"scaroll"}
We regret to inform you, but you are WRONG. We would appreciate it if AP articles on Herod the Great were accurate. Herod the Great was an Idumean, not a member of the Jewish nation. He died before the beginning of the common era. His son Herod Antipas was one of the rulers who succeeded him and could just as well be called the biblical Herod. There were several Herods who ruled during the 60 year period you mention. In the future please distinguish which Herod you are writing about.
Thank you for giving our class, RELIGION 201, Jesus of Nazareth something to do today.
Sincerely yours,
Students of 201
{"commentId":4141941,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"scaroll"}
- 1 vote
#9 - Thu Nov 20, 2008 2:32 PM EST{"commentId":4146253,"authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
I never heard the term 'Idumean'. Would you explain that, please.
{"commentId":4146253,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
{"commentId":4147459,"authorDomain":"debbiedarter"}
Edom (Hebrew: אֱדוֹם, Standard Edom Tiberian ʾĔḏôm ; "red") is a name given to Esau in the Hebrew Bible, as well as to the nation descending from him. The nation's name in Assyrian was Udumi; in Syriac, ܐܕܘܡ; in Greek, Ἰδουμαία (Idoumaía); in Latin, Idumæa or Idumea.
The Edomite people were a Semitic-speaking tribal group inhabiting the Negev Desert and the Arabah valley of what is now southern Dead Sea and adjacent Jordan. The region has much reddish sandstone, which may have given rise to the name "Edom". The nation of Edom is known to have existed back to the 8th or 9th century BC, and the Bible dates it back several centuries further. Recent archaeological evidence may indicate an Edomite nation as long ago as the 11th century BC, but the topic is controversial. The nation ceased to exist as a settled state with the Jewish-Roman Wars.
{"commentId":4147459,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"debbiedarter"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4157558,"authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
Thank you , Gray Headed Granny.
{"commentId":4157558,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"markesanchez-marke"}
{"commentId":4156584,"authorDomain":"scaroll"}
Gray Headed Granny,
Thank you for the extra information on the term "Idumea(n)".
We are interested in knowing your background in religious history or how you got your background in religious history.
{"commentId":4156584,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"scaroll"}
#10 - Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:08 PM EST{"commentId":4173673,"authorDomain":"poppasgirl65"}
The National Geographic has a great article and some wonderful pictures on Herod's grave. It goes into detail about Herod's life .
{"commentId":4173673,"threadId":"423603","contentId":"2129108","authorDomain":"poppasgirl65"}
- 1 vote
#11 - Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:32 AM EST{"canLink":false,"threadId":"423603","isPrivate":false}
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