Herod's support from the Roman Empire was a major factor in enabling him to maintain his authority over Judea. There have been mixed interpretations concerning Herod's popularity during his reign. In "The Jewish War", Josephus characterizes Herod's rule in generally favorable terms, and gives Herod the benefit of the doubt for the infamous events that took place during his reign. However, in his later work, "Jewish Antiquities", Josephus emphasizes the tyrannical authority that many scholars have come to associate with Herod's reign.