Guide
Eyewitness Descriptions of the Second Temple Structure
2nd Century CE–1st Century CE
The Letter of Aristeas, a pseudepigraphic work about the translation of the Bible into Greek attributed to an official of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 BCE), includes the official’s recollections of Jerusalem and the Temple from his journey there from Egypt. Josephus also offers several detailed descriptions of the Temple in his writings. In The Jewish War, he describes the Temple’s construction and renovation over many generations, culminating in Herod’s magnificent restoration. In Against Apion, he counters the allegation that the Jews offered foreigners as human sacrifices by describing the courtyards that restricted foreigners from entering the Temple.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Aristeas on the Temple
Therefore I have explained these things to you, assuming that a description of them was necessary. What follows comprises the journey that we made to Eleazar, but first I will explain the setting of…
Primary Source
Construction and Renovation of the Temple
The temple, as I have said, was situated on a commanding hill. At first the level…
Primary Source
The Temple Courts
[The Temple] had four surrounding porticos, and every one of these maintained its own protection in accordance with the law. It used to be permitted for anyone to enter the outer court, even…