Herod’s glorified temple - one of the wonders of the ancient world

Only to remind you that the 1st Holy Temple was destroyed in 586 BCE and the people of Israel were exiled to Babylon.

Approximately 70 years later, the people of Israel were allowed to return and build the 2nd Holy Temple.

In the beginning of the 4th century the people of Israel, led by Ezrah and Nehemiah, returned and began to build the 2nd Holy Temple at the exact same place of the first one. It was a simple building, nothing grand, that served them as their place of worship.

It remained so during the Hellenistic period until the Romans conquered (63 BCE) Israel and became the rulers over this land. Herod, became the King in 37 BCE.

It is a well-known fact that Herod was a paranoid and ruthless king that killed many people. Herod was an Adamite (not a Jew) and to please his subjects, the Jews, he decided to re-build the Holy Temple and make it a building to be awed and remembered.

The Romans knew Herod very well and they said: “Whoever has not seen Herod’s building has never seen a beautiful building in their life.”

This temple became to be famous throughout the world and pilgrims came from all over to visit and pray, including Jesus and his disciples.

During the tours I guide, I am always asked how they were able to carry such heavy stones?! How could they construct such a magnificent huge grand building?!

I think this short video gives you great insight and an easy to understand explanation how this wonder of the ancient world was built.

Thank you Megalim Institute for this wonderful video.