Which of King Herod's wives had John the Baptist beheaded?

Answer 1

A:The gospel story of the beheading of John the Baptist concerns Herodias, wife of Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee and son of King Herod.

The historical record frees her of blame for this act, since John the Baptist was actually executed in faraway Macherus and on the direct orders of Antipas, as stated by the first-century Jewish historian, Josephus. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews:

"Now many people came in crowds to him, for they were greatly moved by his words. Herod, who feared that the great influence John had over the masses might put them into his power and enable him to raise a rebellion (for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise), thought it best to put him to death. In this way, he might prevent any mischief John might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly John was sent as a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I already mentioned, and was put to death."