A 2-Lecture Course by Dr. Jodi Magness

Herod: The Tyrant of Christmas

A Ruthless King. A Sacred Story. One Unforgettable Legacy.

Archaeology. Power. Ambition. Faith. Discover how a single king’s story shaped the birth of another.

Course Overview

Uncover the Real King Herod

Most of us know King Herod only as the villain of the Nativity story, the jealous ruler who sought to destroy the newborn “King of the Jews.” But the historical Herod was far more complex.

Ruling Judea as Rome’s client king from 40 to 4 BCE, Herod combined ruthless political instincts with extraordinary architectural vision. He rebuilt the Jerusalem Temple, founded Caesarea, and constructed desert fortresses that rivaled Rome’s grandeur. In this live two-lecture event, world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Jodi Magness uncovers the truth behind Herod’s reign, his political alliances, and the archaeological remains that tell his story, culminating in the discovery of his long-lost tomb at Herodium in 2007. Was Herod truly “the Great,” or simply the tyrant of Christmas? Join us to find out.

Key Discoveries & Insights

Explore Herod's dual legacy as a tyrant and master builder.
Understand Herod's political instincts and alliances as Rome's client king.
Examine archaeological evidence from the Jerusalem Temple, Caesarea, and desert fortresses.
Learn about the discovery of Herod’s tomb at Herodium in 2007.

Your Instructor

Dr. Jodi Magness

Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jodi Magness (JodiMagness.org) is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Honorary President of the Archaeological Institute of America. Magness received her B.A. in Archaeology and History from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and her Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania. Magness’ research interests focus on Palestine in the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. Three of her books have won awards: Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth (Princeton: Princeton University, 2019); The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002; revised edition 2021); and The Archaeology of the Early Islamic Settlement in Palestine (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2003). Her most recent book is Jerusalem Through the Ages: From Its Beginnings to the Crusades (Oxford University Press, 2024). Since 2011, Magness has directed excavations at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee (huqoq.org).

Course Curriculum

Lecture 1: Herod's Life and Political World

50 MIN

Lecture 2: Herod's Reign and Archaeological Remains

50 MIN

Q&A Session

30 MIN

What's Included?

Core Content

Two Expert Lectures

Experience Dr. Magness’s expert storytelling as she traces Herod: The Tyrant of Christmas’s life and the political world of first-century Judea.

Interactive Session

Dedicated Q&A Session

Enjoy a lively session where audience questions sparked rich discussion on archaeology, history, and tradition.

Exclusive Bonus

Bonus Lecture by Bart Ehrman

Enjoy Bart's bonus lecture from his other course "Did the Christmas Story Really Happen?"

Study Aid

Downloadable Lecture Slides

Download professionally designed slides highlighting the main arguments, historical timelines, and key terms from each lecture for easy review.

On-the-Go Learning

Downloadable Audio Files

Listen on the go with downloadable MP3s of every lecture and Q&A—perfect for commutes or study breaks.

Reference Material

Full Searchable Transcripts

Full searchable transcripts of all lectures and Q&A sessions—ideal for quoting, note-taking, or deeper study.

From Course Participants

What Students Are Saying

I loved the combination of archaeology and history of the Second Temple period.

L.S.

Lew SudulCourse Participant

Jodi Magness is a font of knowledge and clearly loves sharing her expertise. A phenomenal presentation.

J.D.

Jack DolbyCourse Participant

An excellent introduction to the culture and historical background surrounding this pivotal period of history.

M.H.

Michael HaslipCourse Participant

Unlock the Tyrant's True Story This Christmas

2 lectures, the Q&A recordings, audio downloads, and 6 bonus resources. Lifetime access.

Frequently Asked

Questions & Answers

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Absolutely! If you don't love the course, send us an email and we will refund 100% of your investment. You will have 30 days from the date of the live recording.

Are any other discounts available?

Yes! Viewers of Dr. Ehrman's "Misquoting Jesus" show on YouTube or listeners of the podcast can discover exclusive discount codes. Additionally, BSA members enjoy a 30% discount with exclusive coupon code.

How do you value the course?

Our normal price for two individual lectures is $49.90. However, you can enjoy the "Herod: The Tyrant of Christmas" online course including lifetime access to ALL eight lectures, Q&As, and bonus materials for the early-bird price of just $39.95 $29.95!

Alternatively, this course is available through The Biblical Studies Academy (BSA), our premium membership and training community.

Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee · Lifetime access to all course materials

$1 from your purchase is donated to charity: water.