Cleopatra visits Herod, c 33 BC (litho)

Cleopatra visits Herod, c 33 BC. The civil wars between the descendants of the Maccabees enabled the Jewish general Antipater, governor of Idumea, to become Procurator by the favour of Caesar. His son, Herod, by courting the interests of Rome, reigned in peace, but was hated by the Jews for his foreign friendships and the cruelty of his administration. Antony gave Cleopatra the coastline of Palestine, except Tyre and Sidon, and Jericho. About 33 BC she visited Judaea and embroiled Herod with Malich, King of the Nabataeans, who defeated Herod in 31 BC. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.