Philip the Tetrarch

Here is a refined memorial biography for Philip the Tetrarch, preserving only well-supported facts and verified dates:

Philip the Tetrarch was born around 20–26 BCE as the son of Herod the Great and his fifth wife, Cleopatra of Jerusalem — modern scholarship generally places his birth circa 20 BCE, though some sources suggest c. 26 BCE (en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org.ipns.s402.de). Upon Herod the Great’s death in 4 BCE, Augustus confirmed Philip as tetrarch over the northeastern portion of his father’s realm, including regions such as Batanea, Trachonitis, Gaulanitis (the Golan), Paneas, Iturea, and Auranitis (livius.org).

Philip maintained rule over these territories from 4 BCE until his death in 34 CE (or possibly late 33 CE) (ccel.org). Numismatic and textual sources narrow his death to the period between September 18 and October 14, 33 CE, though many traditional accounts continue to mark it as 34 CE (en.wikipedia.org). After his death, his tetrarchy was absorbed into the Roman province of Syria (ccel.org).

Philip is credited with rebuilding the ancient city of Paneas, renaming it Caesarea Philippi in his honor to distinguish it from the coastal Caesarea that served as the Roman administrative center (livius.org). Ancient historian Flavius Josephus and other sources praise his reign as generally moderate, peaceful, and well-governed (christearlychurch.co.uk).

Regarding his marital status, Philip is reported to have married Salome, who is described as his niece—the daughter of Herodias and Herod II (sometimes called Herod Philip I)—though some details of this connection remain debated among scholars (wikipedia.cthon.io).

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Summary: - Born c. 20–26 BCE to Herod the Great and Cleopatra of Jerusalem - Ruled as tetrarch from 4 BCE to 34 CE (possibly late 33 CE) over territories in the northeast of his father’s kingdom - Rebuilt and renamed Paneas as Caesarea Philippi - Remembered for a stable and moderate rulership - Married Salome, his niece, though certain familial details remain subject to scholarly discussion

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