# Herod Archelaus

> Ethnarch of Samaria/Judea/Idumea from 4 BC to 6 AD

**Wikidata**: [Q244345](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q244345)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/herod-archelaus

## Summary
Herod Archelaus was the Ethnarch of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea from 4 BC to 6 AD, serving as a client ruler under the Roman Empire. A member of the Herodian dynasty, he is best known for his tumultuous reign, which ended with his deposition by Emperor Augustus and the subsequent direct Roman administration of the region. His rule marked a critical transition in Judean history.

## Biography
- **Born**: 23 BC (exact place unknown)  
- **Nationality**: Ancient Judean (ruled over Samaria, Judea, and Idumea)  
- **Known for**: Governing as Ethnarch and founding the city of Archelais  
- **Employer(s)**: Roman Empire (as a client ruler)  
- **Field(s)**: Governance, politics  

## Contributions
- **Founded the city of Archelais**: Established this archaeological site in ancient Palestine, named after himself.  
- **Minted coins/medals**: Issued currency, including the "Archelaus medal," symbolizing his authority.  
- **Administered regional governance**: Oversaw Samaria, Judea, and Idumea under Roman oversight from 4 BC to 6 AD.  

## FAQs
- **Q: What was Herod Archelaus' role?**  
  A: He served as Ethnarch, a client ruler under the Roman Empire, governing Samaria, Judea, and Idumea.  

- **Q: When did he rule?**  
  A: His reign lasted from 4 BC until his deposition in 6 AD.  

- **Q: Why was he removed from power?**  
  A: Emperor Augustus exiled him due to complaints about his harsh governance, though specific details of the charges are not provided in the source material.  

- **Q: What is his connection to the city of Archelais?**  
  A: The archaeological site in Palestine is linked to his name, suggesting he founded or significantly developed the settlement.  

- **Q: When did he die?**  
  A: His death date is recorded as either 16 AD or 18 AD, reflecting discrepancies in historical records.  

## Why They Matter
Herod Archelaus' reign bridged the gap between Herodian autonomy and direct Roman rule. His removal in 6 AD led to the establishment of the Roman Prefecture of Judea, fundamentally altering the region's administrative structure. This transition shaped the political landscape of the Levant and influenced subsequent Jewish-Roman relations. Without his deposition, the trajectory of Judean governance and its integration into the Roman Empire might have differed significantly.

## Notable For
- **Title**: Ethnarch of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea.  
- **Founding of Archelais**: Establishment of a namesake city in ancient Palestine.  
- **Coinage**: Issuance of medals symbolizing his authority, such as the "Archelaus medal."  
- **Historical Transition**: His rule marked the end of Herodian client kingship in Judea.  

## Body
### Early Life and Reign  
Herod Archelaus was born in 23 BC, a member of the Herodian dynasty. Following the death of Herod the Great in 4 BC, he inherited the territories of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea as Ethnarch, a title granted by Emperor Augustus. His reign was characterized by internal strife, prompting complaints to Rome about his governance.  

### Founding of Archelais  
Archelaus established the city of Archelais in ancient Palestine, which became a notable archaeological site. The settlement, named after him, underscores his efforts to consolidate power and leave a lasting legacy in the region.  

### Coinage and Symbolism  
He minted coins and medals, including the "Archelaus medal," reflecting his authority as a client ruler. These artifacts serve as tangible evidence of his administrative control and cultural influence during his tenure.  

### Deposition and Death  
In 6 AD, Augustus exiled Archelaus to Vienne in Gaul (modern France) after Jewish delegates accused him of misconduct. His death is recorded in either 16 AD or 18 AD, with historical sources providing conflicting dates. This deposition marked the end of Herodian rule in Judea and led to the region's reorganization as a Roman prefecture under direct imperial administration.  

### Legacy  
Archelaus' reign is documented in works by historians like Josephus, highlighting his role in regional governance and the broader context of Roman client-state dynamics. His transition from power to exile exemplifies the fragile balance of autonomy and imperial oversight in the ancient Near East. The city of Archelais and his minted artifacts remain key archaeological and historical markers of his influence.

## References

1. Rome and Jerusalem: The Clash of Ancient Civilizations
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/The_Herods_of_the_Bible.svg)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](http://www.jevzajcg.me/enciklopedia/Encyclopaedia%20Judaica,%20v.%2002%20(Alr-Az).pdf#page=399)
6. Catalog of the German National Library
7. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
8. Enciclopedia Treccani
9. Dizionario di Storia
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File