Podcast
Short History Of...
Author Bruce Chilton, a professor of religion at Bard College, was featured as a historical expert during the episode focusing on Herod the Great. His work, The Herods: Murder, Politics, and the Art of Succession, was cited as his credential when he provided background on the Idumean people and the geopolitical struggles of the region. The book itself was not discussed, but Chilton's expertise provided crucial context for the beginning of Herod’s rule.
Episode: Introducing: Herod the Great Part 1: Ruler of Gali...
The professor discusses the people of Idumea and their history of being at the mercy of larger empires for centuries. Their territory had literally been shifted over from the east towards the west. They were not in the most fertile part of the region.
Bruce Chilton is professor of religion at Bard College and author of The Herods, Murder, Politics, and the Art of Succession.
The people of Idumea had been at the mercy of larger empires for centuries.
Their territory had literally been shifted over from the east towards the west.
They were not in the most fertile part of the region.
They didn't have established, well-developed institutions.