Hérodiade is an opera in four acts by Jules Massenet to a French libretto by Paul Milliet and Henri Grémont, based on the novella Hérodias (1877) by Gustave Flaubert.

After a short introduction merchants are seen arguing; they are calmed by Phanuel who urges co-operation with the Romans.

Salomé enters, desperately seeking her mother Hérodiade, who sent her away when she married King Hérode.

The Roman consul Vitellius appears and promises to respect the faith of the Israelites and open the temple.

Hérodiade notices the reaction of her husband at the sight of the young woman and accuses Jean of wanting to seize power.

Hérodiade visits the priest and consults Phanuel who foresees great suffering, while the queen refuses to recognize her daughter in the young woman.

The priests intercede with Vitellius and ask him to condemn Jean, but the consul gives responsibility for the execution to Hérode.

Salomé asks to share her fate with that of the prophet – at this Hérode realises whom she loves and condemns them both to death.

Salomé begs Hérodiade to allow her to die alongside Jean, as it was he who looked after her when her mother abandoned her.