Excavating the Evidence for Jesus

Massacre of the Innocents

The massacre of male babies in Bethlehem at the order of Herod the Great is only recorded in one of the four Gospels (Matthew 2:16-18). However, other ancient sources indicate that this was an historical event. Herod had countless people assassinated, including political rivals, religious leaders, various family members, and even three of his own sons (Josephus, Wars and Antiquities). His sons were executed around 7-4 BC, also the approximate time of the Massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem.