Parthian Invasion, Phasael’s Death, and Herod’s Flight to Rome

Mark Antony appointed Herod and his older brother, Phasael, as tetrarchs over Judaea. They became two of the four Roman-appointed rulers sharing power over a divided territory. In their assault on Jerusalem, however, Parthian forces took Phasael captive and disfigured Hyrcanus. Herod eventually fled the battle and encountered widespread resistance from Jewish locals. The Parthians placed Antigonus on the throne, and Phasael died in captivity and, according to Josephus, martyred himself. Herod secured passage to Alexandria and eventually made his way to Rome.