Embellishments in the Gospel of Mark.

[Jehanne]

Quite a range.

When did Herod die?

Wikipedia -- Herod the Great

he lived from 73 bc to 4 bc which is why christ birth starts as early as 4 bc in some circles. You do understand the numbers work backwards in BC time? the bigger the number the longer ago it was.. meaning herod was born in 73 lived 69 years and died in 4bc. and again the birth of Christ can go as late as 8 AD because again of celestial events that could have been identified as the star of David.

Okay, here's the timeline:

4 BC:  Herod dies.
6 AD:  Supposed census.

Now, here is Luke's account:

In the days of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah.
   — Luke 1:5 

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
    — Luke 2:1–5

And, so, when was Jesus born, again?