Changes

Subsequent to this, Herod died. The nature of the disease of which he died has never been determined, but some have speculated<ref name=Livius/> that the disease was [[Fournier's gangrene]], a [[cancer]]-like disease of the [[gastrointestinal tract]].

Subsequent to this, Herod died. The nature of the disease of which he died has never been determined, but some have speculated<ref name=Livius/> that the disease was [[Fournier's gangrene]], a [[cancer]]-like disease of the [[gastrointestinal tract]].

Herod's death is a major [[epoch]] of the New Testament, because Flavius [[Josephus]] records a precise regnal period: 37 years after the Senate had confirmed him as client-king, and 34 years following the execution of Aristobulus. Furthermore, Josephus includes an [[Astronomical dating|astronomical reference]], specifically to an eclipse of the [[moon]] that occurred shortly before his death. These events strongly suggest that Herod died in 4 BC.<ref name=Catholic/><ref name=Greetham2>Greetham, The Rev. Phil. "[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/p_greetham/wisemen/chron2.html The Death of King Herod]." ''[http://www.btinternet.com/~prgreetham/Wisemen/home.html The Nativity Pages],'' 2001. Retrieved June 18, 2007.</ref> Ussher agrees with this, and calculates his death at November 25, 4 BC, which was the 7th day of the month [[Chisleu]] or Kislev. However, Josephus says that Herod died shortly before [[Passover]] in that year, which would have taken place in April. (The [[Julian calendar]] was then in use, this after Julius Caesar had compelled its adoption in 45 BC, shortly before his assassination.)

Herod's death is a major [[epoch]] of the New Testament, because Flavius [[Josephus]] records a precise regnal period: 37 years after the Senate had confirmed him as client-king, and 34 years following the execution of Aristobulus. Furthermore, Josephus includes an [[Astronomical dating|astronomical reference]], specifically to an eclipse of the [[moon]] that occurred shortly before his death. These events strongly suggest that Herod died in 4 BC.<ref name=Catholic/><ref name=Greetham2>Greetham, The Rev. Phil. "[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/p_greetham/wisemen/chron2.html The Death of King Herod]." ''[http://www.btinternet.com/~prgreetham/Wisemen/home.html The Nativity Pages],'' 2001. Retrieved June 18, 2007.</ref> Ussher agrees with this, and calculates his death at November 25, 4 BC, which was the 7th day of the month Chisleu or [[Kislev]]. However, Josephus says that Herod died shortly before [[Passover]] in that year, which would have taken place in April. (The [[Julian calendar]] was then in use, this after Julius Caesar had compelled its adoption in 45 BC, shortly before his assassination.)

== Succession ==

== Succession ==