Three years later, with Rome's backing, Herod conquered Jerusalem and became king of Judea. A decade would pass before he would begin work on the remote fortified palace that would fulfill his pledge.

King Herod’s legacy as an innovative builder was established ... Photograph by Borchi Massimo/Fototeca 9x12 Palace intrigues and dynastic plots fueled a growing sense of paranoia in Herod.

The Magi arrived at Herod’s palace in Jerusalem asking, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”. Herod immediately feared a threat to his rule and was keen to locate the baby.