John the Baptist died by beheading. He was executed by Herod Antipas at the request of Herodias' daughter, traditionally identified as Salome. The background to his death involves John reproving Herod Antipas for unlawfully marrying Herodias, who was previously the wife of Herod's brother. Herodias harbored a grudge against John for this rebuke. During Herod's birthday celebration, Salome danced before Herod and his guests, pleasing him so much that he promised to grant her any request. Prompted by her mother Herodias, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although Herod was distressed by the request, he reluctantly ordered John's beheading in prison to keep his oath and satisfy his guests. John's disciples then took his body and buried it
. The execution likely took place at the fortress of Machaerus around 28–29 AD. Jewish historian Josephus also records that Herod killed John to prevent his influence from inciting rebellion, which many Jews saw as a cause of Herod's later military troubles
