Ancient ruler of a wild horde (5)

I believe the answer is:

herod

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ancient ruler' is the definition.
'herod' can be an answer for 'ruler' (I have seen 'Infanticidal king' mean 'herod' so perhaps 'king' could also mean 'herod'). I am not sure about the 'ancient' bit.

'wild horde' is the wordplay.
'wild' indicates anagramming the letters.
'horde' with letters rearranged gives 'HEROD'.

'of a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for herod that I've seen before include "Cruel king" , "New Testament king" , "Royal baby-killer" , "Massacre-of-Innocents king" , "child murderer" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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