Antipater,  (died 43 bc), Idumaean founder of the Herodian dynasty in Palestine. Antipater gained power in Judaea by making himself useful to the Romans. In return for Antipater’s support, Caesar appointed him procurator of Judaea in 47 bc. Although Antipater was assassinated by a political rival four years later, his son, Herod I the Great, was later made king of Judaea by the Romans.