Archaeology magazine directs our attention to the latest on the discovery of King Herod’s tomb: news with photos from AFP; a drawing of the old guy’s sarcophagus; and a monumental staircase built especially for Herod’s funeral.

In what do we find Herod’s greatness? His buildings, of course, like the grand, reconstructed Temple in Jerusalem. But he was truly prodigious in his cruelty. The gospels are not the only record of his perverted deeds. Many of his contemporaries noticed. The old Catholic Encyclopedia provides a rap sheet, largely compiled from Josephus. (I’ve further condensed it here.)

During the first period he secured himself on the throne by removing rivals of the Hasmonean line. He put to death Hyrcanus, grandfather of [Herod’s wife] Mariamne, and Aristobulus her brother, whom though but seventeen years old he had appointed high-priest. Their only offence was that they were very popular. Mariamne also was executed in 29 B. C.; and her mother Alexandra, 28 B. C. He put to death even his own sons, Aristobulus and Alexander (6 B. C.), whom Antipater, his son by Doris, had accused of plotting against their father’s life. This same Antipater was himself accused and convicted of having prepared poison for his father, and put to death. The last joy of the dying king was afforded by the letter from Rome authorizing him to kill his son; five days later, like another Antiochus under a curse, he died. In the hot springs of Callirrhoe, east of the Dead Sea, the king sought relief from the sickness that was to bring him to the grave. When his end drew near, he gave orders to have the principal men of the country shut up in the hippodrome at Jericho and slaughtered as soon as he had passed away, that his grave might not be without the tribute of tears.

The Emperor Augustus — on hearing that Herod killed his children, but strove to keep kosher — observed that he’d rather be Herod’s pig than his son.

So, you see, St. Matthew was actually pretty kind to the guy. Here’s St. Peter Chyrsologus again:

[Herod told the Magi] “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word.” Appropriately did Herod say, “Bring me word,” for the one who hastens to come to Christ always brings a word of renunciation to the devil.