When time came, John the Baptist appeared in Judaea. He was wearing a 'rough coat of camel's hair, with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locust and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4). John proclaimed: "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is upon you!' And people from jerusalem, Judaea, and the Jordan valley hurried to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mathew 3:5-6). John baptized Jesus and recognized him as the Messiah.
King Herod was much disturbed by the activities of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
John was imprisoned for censuring the incestuous marriage between Herod Antipas and Herodias, the wife of his brother. Herod would have liked to put John the Baptist to death, but he was afraid of the people, in whose eyes John was a prophet. At Herod's birthday party the daughter of Herodias, Salome, danced before the guests, and Herod was so delighted that gave an oath to fulfill any of her wishes. Prompted by her mother, Salome asked for the head of St. John the Baptist be presented to her on a dish. At this the king was distressed, but because of his oath he ordered the request be granted, and had John beheaded in prison. The head was brought on a dish and given to the girl; and she carried it to her mother.
Then Johns disciples came and took away the body, and buried it. (Matthew 14: 1-12).
Since the Middle ages John the Baptist is usually depicted wearing sheepskin, carrying a stick topped by a crucifix, a medallion with a lamb, or accompanied by a white lamb.
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