There are five primary sources for the study of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Temple of Herod. They are:
The Bible
The Books of Maccabees
Josephus*
The Dead Sea Scrolls
The Mishna***War book 5, chapter 5; Antiquities book 15 chapter 11
**tractates Middot, Tamid, Yoma, Shekalim
These five sources along with archaeological discoveries provide us with sufficient information about the Temple of Herod during the time of Jesus.
Source:
The Dead Sea holds several significant aspects in biblical and historical contexts. Here are some key points: Geological and Natural Features: The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located at the lowest elevation on Earth. Its high salt concentration make...
The ancient city of Babylon, located in Mesopotamia, made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy. With a keen interest in celestial observations and a sophisticated numerical system, the Babylonians developed groundbreak...
The pyramids of Egypt stand as iconic symbols of ancient Egyptian civilization, representing remarkable architectural and engineering achievements. Constructed as tombs for pharaohs, these colossal structures continue to captivate the world with thei...
History records that the Assyrians were ruthless to any enemy that tried to withstand them. One inscription from an Assyrian King Tiglath-Pileser records: “I built a wall before the great gates of the city; I flayed the chief men of the rebels, and...
The Pantheon, or the temple of all the gods. It is the best preserved ancient building in Rome and is universally admired for its fine dome and beautiful columns. Source: The Pantheon...
In ancient Roman religion, Jupiter was the chief of the gods. The name “Jupiter” means “the best and greatest” (Optimus Maximus). He was identified with the Greek god Zeus. Jupiter was the spirit of the sky and worshiped as the god of thunder...
The ancient Persian Empire, known for its grandeur and administrative prowess, stands as a testament to the organizational genius of its rulers. From the Achaemenid to the Sassanian dynasties, the Persians created and administered a vast empire that ...
The Moabite Stone was discovered in 1868 about 20 miles east of the Dead Sea at Moab. It was a black and blue basalt stone dating back to around 830 BC, discovered by a German Missionary named F.A. Klein. It contains an inscription that reads: “I M...
The Gupta Empire, which thrived from the 4th to the 6th century CE, witnessed a golden age of cultural and artistic achievements in ancient India. Known for its patronage of the arts, literature, science, and philosophy, the Gupta Empire left an inde...
Yes, archaeological discoveries have provided evidence that supports the existence of King David, a significant figure in biblical history. While there are no direct inscriptions or artifacts that mention King David by name, several discoveries have ...
In the Temple of Artemis also referred to as Diana the statue of the Roman goddess was depicted as covered entirely with breasts. This is because Diana was the goddess of fertility, and the multi-breasts were denoting fertility, nourishing the living...
The ancient historian Tacitus mentioned Pontius Pilate by name (Ann. xv. 44) and that he was appointed in A.D. 25-26, “in the twelfth year of Tiberius.” Pontius Pilate was the sixth Roman procurator of Judea, and under him our Lord worked, suffer...
According to the biblical account in Exodus 14, the Israelites crossed the Red Sea during their escape from Egypt. When they reached the shores of the sea, Moses stretched out his hand, and God caused a strong east wind to blow all night, parting the...
Matthew 17:1 – After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. In the 4th century AD a tradition was established that Mount Tabor was the scene of the transfiguration a...
Ancient Rome is often associated with grand architecture, legendary emperors, and mighty legions. However, the daily life of women in ancient Rome remains an intriguing and less-explored aspect of this civilization. While gender roles and expectation...
Around 1000 BC David became king over Israel and conquered the Jebusites and stormed their fortress on Mount Zion (1 Sam. 5:5-9). Jerusalem became his home and the capital of his kingdom. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city and danced befo...
Among the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947 was found the “Scroll of Isaiah” inside of a clay jar and well preserved, dating to the 2nd century BC. The entire Hebrew text of the prophet Isaiah was found in “perfect” condition. When compared...
Ancient Chinese society and culture exhibited several notable differences from Western civilizations. Here are some key distinctions: Philosophical Traditions: While Western civilizations developed philosophical systems such as Greek philosophy and l...
Welcome to Free Bible: Unearthing the Past, Illuminating the Present! Step into a world where ancient history and biblical narratives intertwine, inviting you to explore the rich tapestry of human civilization.
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