40 BC – 36 AD

Herod the Great, Judea's incorporation into the Roman province, and the rule of the procurators

In 40 BC, at the urging of Mark Antony, the Roman senate unanimously proclaimed Herod king of Judea. He gained actual power, however, only after several years of retaking Jerusalem from his rival Antigonus. In the eighteenth year of his reign, c. 18 BC, Herod first delivered a speech to persuade a distrustful people. He then began an unprecedented rebuilding and enlargement of the Jerusalem Temple – the most famous of his constructions.

Herod died in 4 BC, five days after executing his son Antipater. He had reigned 37 years from his proclamation. By his will the kingdom was divided among his sons. Archelaus received Judea, Samaria and Idumea with the title of ethnarch, while Antipas and Philip received tetrarchies.

Ten years later, by 6 AD, Augustus removed Archelaus for cruelty and exiled him. His territory was annexed to the Roman province of Syria. The governor Quirinius conducted a census of the population's property and sold off the deposed ethnarch's estate.

Part of the people saw the census as a path to slavery but yielded to the high priest Joazar's persuasion. However, the Galilean Judas of Gamala, together with the Pharisee Zadok, called for resistance. This gave rise to the "fourth philosophy" of Judaism. It stood alongside the Pharisees (who believed in fate, free will and the soul's immortality), the Sadducees (who denied reward after death) and the Essenes (who lived in communities holding property in common).

Later, the procurator Pontius Pilate (26–36 AD) for the first time brought into Jerusalem military standards bearing the emperor's image. The Jews besieged his residence at Caesarea for several days, preferring death to breaking the Law. Struck by their resolve, Pilate ordered the images removed. He also used money from the Temple treasury to build an aqueduct. This provoked a crowd protest. It was put down by disguised soldiers, with many killed and wounded.