The Massacre of the Innocents

The Massacre of the Innocents is a biblical story from the Gospel of Matthew, describing King Herod’s brutal order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem under the age of two. Herod, fearing the prophecy of a new king born to threaten his rule, sought to eliminate potential rivals. This tragic event highlights themes of fear, power, and innocence lost. While its historical accuracy is debated, it remains a powerful symbol of innocent suffering and has influenced religious and cultural reflections on cruelty and justice.