As my knowledge of this period is sparse, there is much that surprises me. I did not know that relative religious and political freedom was permitted by the Romans. 

I understand from the infamous nativity, of the evil nature of Herod, but underestimated the extent of such. Surely, he was virtually insane or so infected by demonic influence so as to be incapable of basic human compassion. 

I am also surprised at the relative freedom enjoyed by the Jewish people under Roman rule. Their customs were tolerated by the Romans (save for Roman idols in their temples). I can understand the Jewish desire for the 'messiah' to be a military leader and to recover the fortune and glory of David. They had been subjugated for a long time.