# Herod the Great — Ben Hur character guide

> Herod the Great in Ben Hur by Lew Wallace.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Herod, the mighty Herod

**First appearance:** 0001-ben-hur

## Who they are

The king of Judea who sought to kill the infant Jesus.

## In the story

### [The Joppa Gate Market](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vi)

Mentioned as 'Herod the Builder' in reference to the market's historical context during his reign.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vii)

Referenced indirectly as the builder of theaters and schools of gladiators, and as a king who adopted Greek and Roman customs.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xiii)

The suspicious and manipulative king who questions the wise men and secretly plots against the newborn king.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/i)

Died miserably within a year after the birth of the Child; his will dividing his territories among his sons is referenced as the origin of the political changes.

### [The Mother's Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v)

Not present in this chapter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/herod_the_great
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters