John the Baptist was executed by beheading at the order of Herod Antipas. The execution followed John's bold condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, the wife of his brother Herod Philip I. Herod had John imprisoned for this rebuke. During Herod's birthday feast, Herodias' daughter (traditionally identified as Salome) danced for Herod and his guests, pleasing him so much that he promised to grant her any request. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Though distressed, Herod complied due to his oath and the presence of his guests, and John was beheaded in prison, likely at the fortress of Machaerus
. After his death, John's disciples took his body and buried it, and they informed Jesus of what had happened
. John's death is seen as a martyrdom resulting from his fearless proclamation of truth and call to repentance, even against powerful rulers
. His ministry had a significant impact, with his followers continuing to spread his teachings after his death
. In summary, John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded by Herod Antipas due to his public criticism of Herod's marriage, with the execution prompted by a request made during a royal feast orchestrated by Herodias and her daughter
