14. Part of this Program strengthened Herod’s military defenses.
Before he began his public building program, Herod started strengthening Judea’s defenses. He started rebuilding the fortifications in Jerusalem, constructing new city walls and a new citadel to guard the Temple of Jerusalem. Herod named the new fort “The Antonia” – after his patron Mark Anthony. The Antonia aside, Herod also built a new fortress at Masada. The Romans tolerated Herod’s fortifications because he had proved his worth policing the region, thereby supporting Roman policy. However, Herod’s fortifications must have made them uneasy. They had no cause. Herod stayed true to his Roman allies.