Hérodiades

Hérodiades is a figure from the New Testament, primarily known for her role in the beheading of John the Baptist. She was a princess of Judea, daughter of Aristobulus IV and Bernice, and granddaughter of Herod the Great. She was married first to her uncle, Herod Philip I, with whom she had a daughter, Salome.

Later, Hérodiades left Herod Philip I and began living with his half-brother, Herod Antipas, who was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. This union was considered incestuous by Jewish law, as Antipas was still married to his first wife, the daughter of Aretas IV, king of the Nabataeans. John the Baptist publicly condemned their marriage, which led to his imprisonment by Herod Antipas.

During a feast celebrating Herod Antipas's birthday, Salome danced for her stepfather. Pleased with her performance, Antipas promised Salome anything she asked for. Prompted by her mother, Hérodiades, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Antipas, though troubled, granted her request, and John was beheaded in prison.

The story of Hérodiades is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Her actions have made her a figure of infamy and have been interpreted in various theological and artistic contexts throughout history, often as a symbol of manipulative ambition and moral corruption.