Tristan Hughes

Herod and Phazeo relied more than ever on Roman support.

But in the meantime, their former ally Cassius had fallen, defeated and killed in the Roman Civil War at the Battle of Philippi.

Herod and Phazeo uphanded to the new great Roman statesman in the east, the esteemed general who had defeated Cassius, Mark Antony.

Rather than punish Herod and Phazeo for their past service to Cassius, Mark Antony recognised their loyalty to Rome.

He affirmed their positions as joint rulers of Judea.

But his interest in the region was limited, his gaze fixed on the alluring queen of Egypt, Cleopatra.

For Antigonus, backed by Parthian aid, now was the time to strike.

With his father dead, his brother missing, and his support waning, Herod escaped Jerusalem with his family and whatever followers he could muster.

He had suffered a brutal and swift fall from power, isolated and in despair.

If Herod were to have any chance of restoring his fortunes, gathering new support was essential.

He had to find new allies.

The journey across the Mediterranean was uncomfortable and storm-ridden.

Never before, to our knowledge, had Herod crossed the seas to Italy.

But his desperate situation gave him little choice.

Rome was his last hope.

Herod's venture to Rome proved incredibly successful.

From refugee to royal ruler.

The Romans had thrown their whole support behind Herod.

With money and men in hand, in 39 BC Herod sailed back to Judea, determined to wrestle control back from Antigonus.

In the meantime, his brother, Phazeol, had died in Antigonus' captivity.