Hellenistic and Roman Influence on the Construction Activities of Herod the Great

The article presents an attempt to apply the historical and genetic method to the study of construction activities of Herod the Great. It is suggested that the archetypes of Hellenistic culture, accumulated over several centuries before Herod’s reign, had a significant influence on the projects and results of his intensive construction activities. This aspect of the issue has not been considered at all in the Russian historical and theological science so far. The study is based on the works of foreign archaeologists and the researcher’s personal archaeological observations during expeditions to the Holy Land. Analysis of a significant amount of archaeological material results in the conclusion that Hellenistic culture had great influence on Herod’s construction activities. However, it should be recognized that the insufficiency of archaeological sources limits the possibilities of studying this issue.