Herod, whose name means " hero-like" was an Idumean by origin yet Jewish in faith, hence a proselyte.
Antipater, his father, was appointed " procurator" of Judea by Julius Caesar in 47 BC.
Following his father's elevation, Herod, at 15 ( 25 according to Josephus) received the government of Galilee and Coele- Syria.
In 41 BC, Herod was appointed by Marc Anthony " tetrarch" of Judea. But forced to abandon Judea in 40 BC, he fled to Rome where he received the appointment as King of Judea.
After some years, Herod, with the help of Rome, took Jerusalem in 37 BC and completely established his authority throughout his dominion.
His reign was characterized with bloodshed not only among his family ( wife Marianne l and two sons Alexander and Aristobulus) but even among his nobles.
It was at the time of a fatal illness that Herod caused the slaughter of the infants at Bethlehem, Matthew 2:16-18.
Though a tyrant and a murderer, Herod did some good things for the Jews in Jerusalem. The temple's restoration started in 20 BC and was completed in 26 AD, John 2:20 ( built in 46 years).
Herod died of a terrible disease at Jericho in April, 4 BC, at the age of 69, after a long reign of 37 years.
Herod as King of Judea ruled also Galilee, Iturea and Trachonitis, Matthew 2:1-9. ( Sources: Smith's Bible Dictionary and NIV Study Bible Commentary)