Herod Antipas was a son of king Herod and bore the title tetrarch (ruler of a quarter of the land). He ruled Galilee and Peroa, east of the Jordan from 4 bc to 39 ordinary time. He is widely known for the murder of John the baptist.
When Herod the tetrarch took his brother Philip’s wife, Herodius, John said it was unlawful. According to the 1st Century writer Josephus, Herod didn’t kill him because of the great influence he had over the people who might start a rebellion. On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodius danced for his guests and he promised to give her anything she wanted. She asked for John’s head on a plate. Herod ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in prison. His head was brought to the girl on a platter which she brought to her mother. John’s disciples took his body and buried it, then went and told Jesus. Herod Antipas died in exile in France or Spain not before 39 ordinary time.