1. 1.13 The Roman Empire: (63-B.C. – 472 A.D.)
In 63 B.C., independent Jewish rule came to an end when Roman military general Pompey (like Alexander…) captured Jerusalem (the Jewish homeland).
Not long after this, Herod (a.k.a. Herod the Great) became king of Judea (a province within the Roman empire).
Pompey
Herod

2. He was smart enough to know that he needed to get the support or at least the tolerance, of the Jewish people if he was to be successful.
He knew they were devoutly religious, and would rather die than give in on their beliefs.

3. However, the Roman conquest was extremely violent and bloody.
In the eyes of the Jewish people, Herod was no better than any of the other leaders they’d be subjected under.
Before long, feelings of hatred between Herod the Great and the Jewish people escalated.