Noiser presents Real Dictators: The Story of Herod the Great. You may well know the name from the Nativity story. The cruel king who learns of a prophecy proclaiming a Messiah and orders the slaughter of innocent children in response. He’s become synonymous with almost pantomime villainy. At the same time, Herod changed the face of the Middle East in the 1st century BC. His reign featured dazzling architectural ventures and significant legal changes… as well as social division, political intrigue and murderous family drama. So, all in all, who really was this iconic figure of the immediate pre-Christian era? A Noiser production, written by Kate Harrison. This is Part 1 of 2. If you enjoyed this episode, you can listen to part two right away over on the Real Dictators podcast. Search Real Dictators wherever you get your podcasts and hit follow to never miss an episode. Short History Of will be back in the new year with brand new episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.