13.3 Second Temple period Jerusalem and Herodian buildings

Jerusalem during the Second Temple period was a bustling city, with Herod the Great's ambitious building projects transforming its landscape. The Temple Mount complex, expanded and renovated by Herod, became the heart of Jewish religious life and a marvel of ancient architecture.

Herodian structures near the Temple, like Robinson's Arch and the Antonia Fortress, enhanced access and security. Beyond the Temple area, luxurious residences in the Herodian Quarter and public amenities like the Siloam Pool showcased Jerusalem's grandeur during this pivotal era.

Herodian Temple Mount Complex

Construction and Expansion Under Herod the Great

Top images from around the web for Construction and Expansion Under Herod the Great

• 

  The Western Wall | The Western wall of the Jewish temple in … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Herodium הרודיון | Excavations at Herodium | David King | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Temple Mount - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Western Wall | The Western wall of the Jewish temple in … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Herodium הרודיון | Excavations at Herodium | David King | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Construction and Expansion Under Herod the Great

• 

  The Western Wall | The Western wall of the Jewish temple in … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Herodium הרודיון | Excavations at Herodium | David King | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Temple Mount - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Western Wall | The Western wall of the Jewish temple in … | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Herodium הרודיון | Excavations at Herodium | David King | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Took place during the Second Temple period (516 BCE - 70 CE) when the Second Temple stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem
• Herod the Great, a Roman client king of Judea (37 BCE - 4 BCE), significantly expanded and renovated the Temple Mount complex
• Expanded the Temple Mount platform by building retaining walls and filling in the gaps with rubble and earth, creating a massive flat surface (144,000 square meters)
• The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is the remaining portion of the retaining wall on the western side of the Temple Mount (length of 488 meters)
• Showcased distinctive Herodian architecture characterized by large stone blocks, pillared halls, and elaborate decorations (frescoes, mosaics)

Key Structures and Features

• The Royal Stoa, a basilica-style building, stood along the southern wall of the Temple Mount and served as a gathering place for religious and commercial activities
• The Hulda Gates, a set of gates named after the prophetess Huldah, provided access to the Temple Mount from the south (Double Gate, Triple Gate)
• The gates led to underground passageways and stairs that brought visitors up to the surface of the Temple Mount
• The expanded platform allowed for larger crowds to gather during Jewish religious festivals (Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot)

Herodian Structures Near the Temple

Bridges and Access Points

• Robinson's Arch, named after the American explorer Edward Robinson, was an ancient arch that supported a staircase leading from the Western Wall street to the Temple Mount
• Wilson's Arch, named after the British explorer Charles Wilson, supported a bridge that connected the Temple Mount to the Upper City of Jerusalem
• Both arches were part of the network of access points and structures around the Temple Mount during the Second Temple period

Fortifications and Public Spaces

• The Antonia Fortress, a military barracks and fortification, stood at the northwestern corner of the Temple Mount and housed the Roman garrison
• The fortress was connected to the Temple Mount by a flight of stairs and served as a point of control and observation for the Roman authorities
• The Stepped Street, also known as the Eastern Cardo, was a main thoroughfare in Herodian Jerusalem that ran along the western side of the Temple Mount (600 meters long, 8 meters wide)
• The street was lined with shops and vendors and was a center of commercial activity in the city

Herodian Jerusalem Landmarks

Residential and Administrative Areas

• The Herodian Quarter, located in the Upper City of Jerusalem, was an upscale residential area during the Second Temple period
• The quarter contained the remains of several large mansions, including the Palatial Mansion, which may have belonged to a wealthy priestly family or a member of the Herodian dynasty
• The mansions featured elaborate frescoes, mosaics, and ritual baths (miqva'ot), indicating the wealth and religious observance of the residents

Public Infrastructure and Amenities

• The Siloam Pool, located in the southern part of the City of David, was a large public mikveh (ritual bath) during the Second Temple period
• The pool was fed by the Gihon Spring via the Siloam Tunnel, an underground water channel constructed during the reign of King Hezekiah (8th century BCE)
• The Siloam Pool served as a place for ritual purification for Jewish pilgrims before ascending to the Temple Mount
• The pool complex included steps, columns, and a paved courtyard, indicating its importance as a public gathering space