Bible Dictionary
Macaerus
Macaerus was a fortified Herodian stronghold east of the Dead Sea. Tradition associates it with John the Baptist’s imprisonment and execution, though the Gospel account does not name the fortress.
Definition
Macaerus was a castle of the Herodian rulers on the southern border of their Perean territory, east of the Dead Sea. It was a fortified stronghold and residence connected in tradition with the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist.
Biblical Usage
The supplied material associates Macaerus with John the Baptist’s imprisonment and with the banquet at which Herodias requested his death. The Gospel account itself does not name the fortress.
Historical Background
Macaerus stood about nine miles east of the northern end of the Dead Sea. It was fortified and used by the Herods. Its identification with the site of John’s death is disputed in the supplied material, which notes that the feast may have been held at Tiberias.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a castle of the Herods on the southern border of their Perean dominions, nine miles east of the northern end of the Dead Sea. Here John the Baptist was imprisoned, and here was held the feast where Herodias, at whose request John was beheaded, danced before the king.