Guide
The Jerusalem Temple in Antiquity
4th Century BCE–6th Century CE
By Carol Bakhos
Related Primary Sources
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Robinson’s Arch
Remains of Robinson’s arch can be seen along the western wall of the Temple Mount. The arch supported a monumental staircase—designed by Herod at the close of the first century BCE as part of his…
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Wilson’s Arch
The remains of Wilson’s arch can be seen in the roofed area immediately to the northeast of the Western Wall. The arch supported the last part of a bridge built on a series of arches that traversed…
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The Southern Staircase
The monumental staircase along the southern wall of the Temple Mount, also known as the southern steps, was excavated by the biblical archaeologist Benjamin Mazar. This staircase is the final approach…
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The Double Gate
The Double Gate together with the Triple Gate, known as the Huldah Gates, provided entry to the Temple esplanade from the south side of the mount via subterranean ramps. The Double Gate, which…
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Temple Warning Inscription
A Temple inscription, also referred to as the Temple balustrade inscription or the soreg inscription, warns gentiles not to cross the balustrade (soreg) around the Temple, as doing so was considered a…
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“To the Place of Trumpeting” Inscription
This inscription, written in square Hebrew, refers “to the place of trumpeting,” possibly attesting to a nearby structure from which priests blew the shofar to announce the oncoming Sabbath. The stone…