In 47 BC 3000 Jews from Egypt came to the aid of Julius Caesar in a decisive battle near the Nile Delta under the leadership of Antipater, Herod`s father. Caesar was forever indebted to the Jews for saving his life, and allowed them to build synagogues throughout Rome`s dominion. Antipater was made a "friend of Caesar", was granted citizenship, freed from taxes, and made procurator of Judea.