John the Baptist directly challenged Herod the Tetrarch’s immoral relationship with his niece—Herodias. She was originally married to his older half-brother, Herod Philip. For speaking out, John the Baptist was imprisoned in the fortress palace of Machaerus. This was situated on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea, in modern-day Jordan.

©Vörös Győző

While John was in prison, Herod held a birthday banquet. During the party, his stepdaughter Salome performed a dance which pleased Herod. In response he vowed to give her whatever she asked of him. Prompted by her mother, Herodias, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist. Herod granted the demand, straight away.

The events of Matthew 14:1–12 outlined above took place in the clifftop palace of Machaerus. Archaeologists have now identified, and partly restored, a semicircular niche in which they believe Herod’s throne was positioned. It sat at the end of a once magnificent, c. 650 sq. m. (7,000 sq. ft.) royal courtyard. This was the setting of the birthday banquet.

The Bible’s true and accurate history is constantly being brought to life and verified through such archaeological finds.

• Vörös, G., Reconstructing Herod’s throne at Machaerus, Biblical Archaeology Review 45(5):30–37, 2020.
• Bohstrom, P., King Herod’s throne room where ‘Salome danced’ found in Jordan; haaretz.com, 13 Dec 2020.