Gospel of Mark recounts the death of John the Baptist

According to the Gospel of Mark, Herod imprisoned John the Baptist because John criticized his marriage to Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Although Herod respected John as a holy man, Herodias sought his death.

During a banquet celebrating Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance that pleased the king. Herod promised to grant her any request, even half of his kingdom. At her mother's urging, the girl requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Despite his grief, Herod honored his oath before his guests and ordered a guard to execute John in prison. John's disciples subsequently recovered his body for burial.