Herod secures his throne after Actium
About this date: Placed after Antony's defeat at Actium in 31 BCE; the meeting's exact day is not supplied.
Herod meets Octavian after having supported Antony. Josephus depicts him appealing to his record of loyalty rather than denying his previous allegiance.
Historical context
The survival of Herod's rule depends on his relationship with the winner of Rome's civil war. Judean political authority is inseparable from imperial patronage.
Key points
- The meeting follows a change in Roman leadership.
- Josephus frames loyalty as Herod's defense.
- Confirmation of kingship does not make Judea independent of Rome.
People
- Herod the Great
- Octavian (Augustus)
Sources and further reading
- Jewish Antiquities, Book XV
Herod's appeal to Octavian and confirmation of his position.