August 29, 29 AD - John the Baptist Beheaded

John the Baptist was imprisoned by King Herod Antipas in the early first century after he renounced Herod’s marriage to Herodias, his brother’s former wife. One evening during Herod’s birthday feast, Herodias’ daughter Salome pleased Herod with her dancing so greatly that Herod promised to grant her any request. At her mother’s urging, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist. Herod acquiesced and had John beheaded in prison. Though no one is certain of the exact date, tradition has placed the date of these events on August 29, AD 29.