Judea and Galilee have from CE 6 effectively operated as semiautonomous client-states under Roman tribute.

Jews for the most part are willing to pay tribute, although they complain when it is excessive, and absolutely refuse to allow a graven image in their Temple although some emperors have considered imposing one.

The primary tasks of the tetrarch and high priest are to collect tribute, persuade the Romans not to interfere with the Temple, and ensure that the Jews not rebel.