“The Face of Herod.” That actually sounds like a title, doesn’t it? But I guess it would have to be a mystery, as we don’t have any idea what King Herod looked like.
Sure, there are some artists’ conceptions, which is how I’ve illustrated previous posts, but we don’t have any surviving contemporary images of him. Part of this is because he ruled Judea, and Jewish religious law prohibited images of living creatures, to prevent the appearance of idolatry. (Since this was about the same time that the Romans were getting into emperors declaring themselves divine, it would be tricky footing indeed among the conquered Judea.) But even the images of Herod from outside Judea have not lasted.
We do have some footprints, though! You can read about them in this BAS article.
If you’re looking for a Christmas read, please consider So To Honor Him, in which we see a drummer slave confronted by King Herod with a choice. I had a ton of fun researching the history and the plausible magi, and it’s a fast read during the busy holiday season.
Have a great week!
Laura, you are quickly becoming one of those authors whose work I will buy whenever it’s available. (Mostly because I finally discovered you, not because your work wasn’t good before, ha ha!) I snagged this one and look forward to a season-themed read!
Ha ha! And thank you! ?