Herodian Quarter

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The Herodian Quarter4-2

Herodian Quarter (also known as the Herodian Mansions) is an archaeological site located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The site consists of a series of well-preserved ancient houses that date back to the Second Temple period, specifically the time of Herod the Great.

History

The Herodian Quarter was discovered during the extensive archaeological excavations that took place in the Jewish Quarter after the Six-Day War in 1967. The excavations were led by the Israeli archaeologist Nahman Avigad. The site provides a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy and aristocratic families of Jerusalem during the late Second Temple period.

Architecture

The Herodian Quarter comprises several luxurious houses, which are believed to have belonged to the priestly families of Jerusalem. The houses are notable for their elaborate architectural features, including:

• **Mosaic floors**: Intricate mosaic designs that adorned the floors of the houses.
• **Frescoes**: Wall paintings that decorated the interiors.
• **Ritual baths (mikva'ot)**: Several ritual baths were found, indicating the importance of ritual purity in the daily lives of the inhabitants.
• **Stone vessels**: Numerous stone vessels were discovered, which were used to avoid ritual impurity.

Significance

The Herodian Quarter is significant for several reasons:

• It provides valuable insights into the social and economic status of the Jewish elite during the Second Temple period.
• The site offers evidence of the Roman influence on Jewish architecture and lifestyle.
• It helps to understand the historical context of the Great Revolt against the Roman Empire.

Exhibition

The Herodian Quarter is now part of the Wohl Archaeological Museum, where visitors can explore the remains of the ancient houses and learn about the history and culture of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. The museum features a variety of artifacts, including pottery, coins, and household items, which were uncovered during the excavations.

See also

• Second Temple
• Old City of Jerusalem
• Jewish Quarter (Jerusalem)
• Herod the Great
• Wohl Archaeological Museum
• Great Revolt (66–73 CE)