Agrippa I: The Enigma of His Demise
In this final chapter, we unravel the mysterious events surrounding the death of Herod Agrippa I, the last Jewish king of Judea. Key elements include:
Political Climate: Agrippa followed orthodox Jewish policies, earning the friendship of the Jews. He may have clashed with many, but perhaps not all, of the Greeks in his and adjacent regions.
Clash with Vibius Marsus: Agrippa's ambitions clashed with the imperial legate of the Roman province of Syria, Vibius Marsus.
Symptoms and Toxicology: Agrippa's sudden death in 44 CE remains shrouded in mystery. Some speculate poisoning, but the exact cause eludes us. We explore his symptoms and discuss potential toxicological and other factors.
We also discuss the question: Would it be reasonable to suggest from the archaeological and historical record that there was a political motive for Agrippa I's sudden demise?