Herod's Atrocities

The character of Herod as reported in the writings of historian Josephus tells of the atrocities he had earlier perpetrated. Herod grew increasingly paranoid in his last years and committed or planned several political executions, including those of members of his own family. The slaughter of perhaps 20 or so babies in an insignificant village to protect his throne is thus entirely plausible and would hardly merit mention in historical sources. That Herod based his decision to kill all the male children two years or younger on the timing ascertained from the wise men indicates that they had initially seen the star rise two years earlier. It is unknown whether the initial appearance corresponded to the birth (making Jesus two years old at this point) or merely foretold it (so that Jesus at this point was still a baby).