The real-life Salomé was born into the Herodian dynasty around 14 AD, making her contemporary with Jesus of Nazareth. Her parents were the Jewish princess Herodias, and Herod II, son of king Herod the Great (who was also Herodias' grandfather). Prior to the death of Salomé's father in 33 AD, Herodia divorced him in order to marry his half-brother Herod Antipas, the ruler of the Palestinian provinces of Galilee and Perea.

 

Although Salomé isn't named in the Bible, she appears in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, as "the daughter of Herodias". It is told that she, after pleasing her stepfather with her dancing, was promised to be granted anything she asked for. Upon consulting her mother, she responds by demanding "the head of John the Baptist in a dish", thus causing John's execution. According to the gospels, this was Herodias' revenge on John, who had been criticizing Agrippa for marrying his sister-in-law.

 

Salomé's name is given by Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, alongside further information regarding her family relations. According to Josephus, Salomé was married twice. Her first marriage was to Herodias' uncle, Philip, who died childless. Following Philip's death in 34 AD, Salomé was remarried to Aristobulus of Chalcis, the son of one of Herodias' brothers. In 55 AD Aristobulus was appointed king of Lesser Armenia, making Salomé queen. As such, Salomé's portrait was imprinted on coins, three of which is known to still exist.

 

With Aristobulus, Salomé had three sons: Herod, Agrippa, and Aristobulus. She is believed to have died at some point prior to 71 AD.

 

She mentions to Bill that some of her exploits in the bible are exaggerated. For example, she never actually danced for her uncle, instead she was delivered to his bed.