16. Herod switched sides from Mark Anthony to Augustus
Herod knew that Cleopatra hated him and coveted his territories. So when Anthony summoned him to Egypt after the murder of Aristobulus, Herod believed there was a real possibility his patron would execute him. Anthony, however, spared him and Herod stayed loyal to him when civil war broke out between Anthony and Augustus in 31 BC. When he realized he had backed the loser, however, Herod met with Augustus on Rhodes. He declared that he would show the same loyalty to Augustus as he had to Anthony- if Augustus continued to his rule. Herod then pledged troops to help finish Anthony off. Anthony’s suicide negated the use of these forces. However, Augustus was a pragmatist. He recognized Herod’s usefulness as an ally in the east, particularly as Herod had just put down a revolt by the Nabataean Arabs. So, in 30 BC, Augustus confirmed Herod’s position as King of Judea and added to his territories.