Delve into the rich history and archaeology of Temple Mount in Jerusalem, a revered site for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Explore the connections to King David, Solomon, Herod, Jesus, and Muhammad. Join Tristan and Jodi Magness as they uncover the remains of ancient buildings atop this sacred mountain.
Temple Mount's importance spans Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, holding religious significance for all three faiths.
Archaeological exploration on Temple Mount is hindered by Muslim monuments, limiting physical excavation of its remains.
Temple Mount served as the ancient city's acropolis, housing religious and political structures, with Herod's renovations shaping its iconic appearance.
Deep dives
Significance and Religious History of Temple Mount
Temple Mount holds great significance for three religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Archaeological exploration on the mount is limited due to two Muslim monuments, the Dome of the Rock and El-Aqsa Mosque, making it challenging to excavate. The Temple Mount's historical and religious importance to the three Abrahamic faiths restricts physical exploration of its remains.
Geography and History of Temple Mount
Temple Mount is located on a rocky outcrop that physically dominated the original settlement in the area of the City of David. Initially outside the settlement, it was later incorporated into the city by Solomon. The Temple Mount served as the acropolis of the ancient city of Jerusalem, housing important religious and political buildings.
Destruction and Reconstruction of Temples on Temple Mount
The First Temple built by Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, along with the city of Jerusalem. The Second Temple was later erected in the same location, consecrated in 516 BC. King Herod the Great reconstructed the Second Temple on a larger scale in the first century BC, leading to the era known as the Second Temple period.
Hellenistic Period and Hasmonean Kingdom in Jerusalem
During the Hellenistic period, the establishment of the Hasmonean Kingdom transformed Jerusalem from a minor city to a significant capital. Under the rule of the Hasmoneans, Jerusalem saw growth and development, including the construction of a palace within the Barris fortress. The palace, initially located in the northwest corner of the Temple Mount, later shifted to the Southwestern Hill, where the ruling elites built their residences. This expansion marked Jerusalem's increasing importance and growth as the capital of the Hasmonean Kingdom.
Herodian Renovations and Temple Mount Transformation
King Herod's renovation of the Temple Mount included rebuilding the temple structure, which lacks archaeological remains today. He expanded the open courtyards, created the esplanade, and constructed the Royal Stoa on the southern end for various activities. Herod's architectural influences extended to constructing aqueducts to supply water to Jerusalem, showcasing Roman architectural elements. The Temenos wall enclosed the expanded area, featuring gates and colonnaded porches, shaping the Temple Mount's iconic appearance.
Temple Mount is one of the most sacred places in Jerusalem. A rocky outcrop that has become important for Islam, Judaism and Christianity and the acropolis of the ancient city, with links to figures like King David, Solomon, Herod, Jesus and Muhammad. It’s an area of the world rich in religious history.
And in today's episode of The Ancients - the last in our Old Testament miniseries - we're going to be delving into the archaeology of this famous ancient site and exploring what remains of the glorious buildings that once sat atop this important mountain. To help, Tristan is joined by Jodi Magness, author of new book, Jerusalem Through The Ages, whichchronicles the history of the holy city from its very beginnings to the Crusades.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
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