23 B.C. Sebaste,[1] he resolved to send his sons, Alexander and Aristobulus, to Rome, to have audience of Cæsar.[2] On their arrival at the capital they were given lodging in the house of Pollio, one who was very assiduous in cultivating Herod's friendship; permission was also given them to lodge in the palace of the Emperor, who gave the lads the most kindly reception. The Emperor, moreover, empowered Herod to bequeath his kingdom to any of his children at his discretion; and added to his realm the district of Trachonitis,[3] Batanæa and Auranitis, which he gave him for the following reason. . . .
Here follows a description of Herod's subjugation of Zenodorus
and the robber bands in Trachonitis.
So Cæsar bestowed upon Herod the territory of
Zenodorus, an extensive region lying between Trachonitis
and Galilee (and embracing) Ulatha and Paneas[4] and
the neighbouring country. He attached it[5] to the
province of Syria, but instructed the provincial governors
to do nothing without obtaining Herod's approval.
In short, he reached such a height of prosperity that, whereas the burden of government of the vast Roman Empire rested upon two men, first Cæsar, and then (as Cæsar's favourite) Agrippa, Cæsar preferred no one to Herod after Agrippa, and Agrippa made Herod his chief friend after Cæsar.—Ant. XV. 10. 1 and 3 (342 f.; 360 f.). (19) The Historian's Reading of Herod's Character
It is usual to remark with astonishment on the inconsistency of Herod's character. When we have regard to his munificent actions and the benefits which he con-*
- ↑ Herod's new name for Samaria.
- ↑ Augustus.
- ↑ Lit. "Trachon." The three districts correspond approximately to Bashan of the O.T.
- ↑ Ulatha and Paneas N. and N.E. of the Waters of Merom.
- ↑ Text (Niese) uncertain. Most MSS "him"; lit. "mixed him with (? = "put him on a level with") the governors of Syria."
