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 ancient Romans were remarkable engineers when it came to managing water supply and sewage systems. They developed sophisticated systems that provided clean water for public use and efficiently removed wastewater from cities. Water Supply: Aqueduc...
Ancient Greek mythology was rich with a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each associated with various domains, powers, and legends. Here are some of the major deities worshipped in ancient Greece: Zeus: The king of the gods and the ruler of Mount Olym...
Only the Jewish historian Josephus provides us with what little information is known about Pilate’s life before 26 A.D. when Tiberius Caesar appointed him procurator of Judea. The sketchy information suggests that Pilate was probably an Italian bor...
Bethany was a small village a couple miles east of Jerusalem. It is located on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives on the road to Jericho. It was a lush green area with plenty of Olive trees. Many travelers would come to rest at Bethany if the ci...
Babylon is Akkadian “babilani” which means “the Gate of God(s)” and it became the capital of the land of Babylonia. The etymology of the name Babel in the Bible means “confused” (Gen 11:9) and throughout the Bible, Babylon was a symbol of...
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...
The classes of citizenship (civitus) and legal status in ancient Rome varied over the centuries. When Rome conquered a city the defeated people would fall into one of four classes. Citizens, Municipia, Latin Allies, and Italian Allies. Other areas m...
In ancient times beards came in various styles and shapes. In ancient Egypt the beard was a symbol of status, in ancient India the beard was a symbol of dignity. In ancient Assyria, Babylon and Persia the beard was cared for with great detail, they o...
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 ...
It is not known whether Tiberius had heard of Jesus, or knew about the crucifixion of Jesus. Word about Jesus and his miracles spread quickly throughout the Roman Empire, even to the Imperial Palace on Palatine Hill, but Tiberius had retired to his p...
The Pilate Inscription is an inscribed relief with a dedicatory inscription to Tiberius Caesar bearing the name Pontius Pilate. It was discovered among the ruins of ancient Caesarea Maritima. It is the only known occurrence of the name Pontius Pilate...
The people of ancient Greece developed unique characteristics because of the topography of their country. The coastline curved inward very peculiarly, causing the bays to become very prominent, and stretching far out into the Mediterranean Sea. This ...
Trade played a vital role in connecting civilizations and fostering cultural exchange in the ancient world. From the bustling markets of Rome to the Silk Road that stretched across Asia, ancient trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, ...
The ancient Mayan civilization, renowned for its advanced understanding of astronomy and mathematics, developed a highly sophisticated calendar system that remains a testament to their intellectual prowess. Through intricate observations of celestial...
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...
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...
The religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians were complex and deeply intertwined with their daily lives. Here are some key aspects: Polytheistic Belief: Ancient Egyptians believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses who governed vario...
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...
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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