Roman on Jerusalem

Based on the Bible, the Roman-appointed king reigning in Judea (including Jerusalem) at the time of Jesus' birth was 

Herod the Great (reigned 37–4 BC). 

Herod the Great was a "client king" under Roman authority. He is known for remodeling the Temple in Jerusalem and ordering the "Massacre of the Innocents" in his attempt to kill the newborn "King of the Jews" (Jesus). 

Other significant rulers in the Bible during the Roman period include:

• Herod Archelaus: Son of Herod the Great, who ruled as ethnarch of Judea (including Jerusalem) after his father's death, causing Joseph and Mary to avoid Judea (Matthew 2:22).
• Herod Antipas: Son of Herod the Great, who was Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea; he was involved in the death of John the Baptist and the trial of Jesus (Luke 23:7-12).
• Pontius Pilate: The Roman prefect (governor) of Judea (AD 26–36) who presided over the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
• Herod Agrippa I: Grandson of Herod the Great, who was made king over Judea (AD 41–44) and persecuted the early Church, executing James and imprisoning Peter (Acts 12:1-3).
• Herod Agrippa II: Great-grandson of Herod the Great, who heard the defense of the Apostle Paul (Acts 25-26). 

The Roman emperors mentioned in the New Testament during this period include Augustus (time of birth) and Tiberius (time of ministry). 

The Romans began their reign in Jerusalem in 63 BCE when Pompey the Great conquered the city, bringing Judea under Roman control, though they initially used client kings like Herod the Great (ruler at Jesus' birth) before establishing direct rule via governors (Procurators) like Pontius Pilate, with full Roman power seen throughout the New Testament era until the city's destruction in 70 CE. 

Key Milestones:

• 63 BCE: Roman general Pompey captures Jerusalem, ending Hasmonean independence and placing Judea under Roman influence.
• ~40 BCE - 4 BCE: Herod the Great, appointed by Rome, rules as client king, overseeing significant building projects, including the Jerusalem Temple.
• 6 CE: Direct Roman rule begins in Judea after Herod the Great's son, Archelaus, is deposed.
• New Testament Era (c. 30s CE): Pontius Pilate, a Roman Procurator (governor), rules Judea, presiding over Jesus' trial and crucifixion, as described in the Gospels.
• 70 CE: The Romans, under Titus, destroy the Second Temple and Jerusalem after the First Jewish-Roman War, ending significant Jewish self-rule. 

In the Bible:
Roman rule is a significant backdrop, especially in the Gospels and Acts, with Roman soldiers, governors (like Pilate and Felix/Festus), and the Roman census mentioned frequently, showing the extent of their power and influence over Jewish life and governance.