Tristan Hughes

He travelled back to Galilee to continue his role as governor, establishing his capital at Sepphoris.

Crisis had been averted, for now.

As turmoil gripped the heart of the Roman Republic, Herod and his family held a firm grip over Judea, handing over tribute to Cassius.

But enemies were lurking, including a figure called Malachos.

Herod and his older brother, Phazeol, had only one thing on their mind.

Vengeance.

Herod and his brother Phazeol were restored as rulers of Judea.

But tensions remained.

Other enemies circled, led by a new royal rival, Antigonus.

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.