Lavish Second Temple period building found by Western Wall in Jerusalem
The structure, located adjacent to the Wall, was probably built around 20 or 30 CE, only a few decades before the Temple was destroyed by the Romans.
By ROSSELLA TERCATIN
JULY 8, 2021
In the first century CE, just decades before the Temple was destroyed by the Romans, Jerusalem was a booming city, buzzing with pilgrims and a frenzy of construction. A glimpse into its hectic life some 2,000 years ago will be offered to modern visitors by a recently uncovered grand building that will soon be part of the Western Wall Tunnels itinerary, the Antiquities Authority and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation announced Thursday.
Archaeologists uncovered the lavishly endowed building, which was erected around 20-30 CE. It was probably used to welcome important dignitaries and members of the elite on their way to visit the Temple Mount, they said. “This is, without doubt, one of the most magnificent public buildings from the Second Temple period that has ever been uncovered outside the Temple Mount walls in Jerusalem,” said Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolach, the IAA’s excavation director. The structure contained two imposing rooms decorated with elaborate Corinthian capitals protruding from the walls. They were connected by another chamber featuring a sumptuous fountain with running water.
more............ https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/l...ing-found-by-western-wall-in-jerusalem-673205
The structure, located adjacent to the Wall, was probably built around 20 or 30 CE, only a few decades before the Temple was destroyed by the Romans.
By ROSSELLA TERCATIN
JULY 8, 2021
In the first century CE, just decades before the Temple was destroyed by the Romans, Jerusalem was a booming city, buzzing with pilgrims and a frenzy of construction. A glimpse into its hectic life some 2,000 years ago will be offered to modern visitors by a recently uncovered grand building that will soon be part of the Western Wall Tunnels itinerary, the Antiquities Authority and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation announced Thursday.
Archaeologists uncovered the lavishly endowed building, which was erected around 20-30 CE. It was probably used to welcome important dignitaries and members of the elite on their way to visit the Temple Mount, they said. “This is, without doubt, one of the most magnificent public buildings from the Second Temple period that has ever been uncovered outside the Temple Mount walls in Jerusalem,” said Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolach, the IAA’s excavation director. The structure contained two imposing rooms decorated with elaborate Corinthian capitals protruding from the walls. They were connected by another chamber featuring a sumptuous fountain with running water.
more............ https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/l...ing-found-by-western-wall-in-jerusalem-673205