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 capital offense. The tablets, written in Latin and Greek so gentiles could read them, were hung on the balustrade at regular intervals. The translation reads: “No stranger is to enter within the balustrade around the Temple and enclosure. Whoever is caught will himself be responsible for his ensuing death.” These inscriptions are mentioned by Josephus, and two such tablets have been discovered in archaeological excavations.