Acts Chapter 12 describes how ruthless Herod really was to the people of Judaea. He was assigned to be ruler of this area by the Roman Empire. He looked to have anyone that rose up against him to be executed.
He has James, the brother of John, one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus, executed by the sword. He was about to have Peter executed as well, but the angel of God allowed for Peter to escape even though he was being guarded by sixteen Roman soldiers. After Peter escaped, Herod had those 16 soldiers executed.
Herod was definitely on a rampage when he went to visit Caesarea. The people were afraid that Herod was going to kill them as well, but they went out of their way to appease him. That is the background for Acts 12:21-23 (KJV)
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Herod was known to go on these tyrannical rants from time to time. After this certain rant though, the people placed him on a pedestal by giving him god status. Suddenly, Herod was smitten dead. This type of nonsensical narcissistic pride from dictators can be called the Herod effect.
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