Destination: Holy Of Holies
An Archaeological Walk Through The Jerusalem Temple
Joan Branham
This event is Sponsored by Temple Rodef Shalom
King Herod designed and built the Jerusalem Temple in the late first century BCE. Herod wanted a grander complex than the one hastily constructed after the return from the Babylonian exile. His Temple lasted less than a century, as it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. In its time, it was, and continues to be, a powerful symbol of sacred space; it continues to influence Judaism and Christianity to this day. It has been emulated, co-opted, exploited, and reinterpreted by religious traditions, from early churches and synagogues to Orlando’s evangelical theme park with its mock Temple recreation.
This illustrated talk will serve as a guide through the Jerusalem Temple by following in the footsteps of the High Priest and worshippers (including Jesus) and navigating the barriers of sanctity and systems of blood, purity, sacrifice, and gender.
Joan Branham is Professor of Art History and Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences at Providence College. She is also Chair of the W.F. Albright Institute for Archaeological Research
This event will be held at the Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant: 3400 Washington Drive / Falls Church / Virginia / 22041
The luncheon begins at 2 pm; the lecture begins at 3 pm
For more information about this lecture and other events sponsored by BASONOVA, visit their website.
Dig into more than 9,000 articles in the Biblical Archaeology Society’s vast library plus much more with an All-Access pass.
Herod the Great was the ruler of Roman Judea responsible for the Massacre of the Innocents. He was also an ambitious builder who commissioned many construction projects all across the Holy Land, including his splendid palaces in Jericho and the generous rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
A visualization of the Herodian family tree and key events in the New Testament related to members of the Herodian family.
Josephus relates Herod’s death to a lunar eclipse. This is regarded as a reference to a lunar eclipse in 4 B.C. Therefore it is often said that Jesus was born in 4 B.C. But physics professor John A. Cramer has pointed out there was another lunar eclipse visible in Judea in 1 B.C., which would place Herod’s death at the turn of the era.
After Herod died in 4 B.C., he was buried at Herodium—but where? A few years ago, it seemed that the question was solved. Eminent Herodium archaeologist Ehud Netzer declared that he had found Herod’s impressive mausoleum.
Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update.
Dig into the illuminating world of the Bible with a BAS All-Access membership. Combine a one-year tablet and print subscription to BAR with membership in the BAS Library to start your journey into the ancient past today!
Subscribe Today