Tuesday, July 07, 2009
King Herod's Ancient Quarry in Israel
King Herod was an astonishingly complex man who had many sides to his violent, yet progressive building reign. I believe he was mentally tortured and according to many, he reaped terrible sufferings on himself and his people in Israel under The Roman harsh yoke of rule.... Ruby *o*
By Associated Press Writer Jen Thomas, – Mon Jul 6, 6:19 pm ET AP – This image made available by Israel's Antiquities Authority
JERUSALEM – Israeli archaeologists have uncovered an ancient quarry where they believe King Herod extracted stones for the construction of the Jewish Temple 2,000 years ago, the Israel Antiquities Authority said Monday. The archaeologists believe the 1,000-square-foot (100-square-meter) quarry was part of a much larger network of quarries used by Herod in the city.
The biggest stones extracted from the quarry would have measured three yards (meters) long, two yards (meters) across, and two yards (meters) high.
The archaeologists said the size of the stones indicates they could have been used in the construction of the Temple compound, including the Western Wall, a retaining wall that remains intact and is a Jewish shrine.
"The dimensions of the stones that were produced in the quarry that was revealed are suitable for the Temple walls," said Ofer Sion, the dig's director.
The two-week excavation, which was conducted before construction begins on an apartment complex at the site, also uncovered pottery, coins and what appear to be tools used in the quarry dating to the first century B.C.
"Finding a large quarry related to the largest building project ever undertaken in Jerusalem ... that's more than just another discovery," said archaeologist Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University, who was not involved in the excavation. "It's an additional block that slowly reveals the picture of construction in ancient Jerusalem."
Herod was the Roman-appointed king of the Holy Land from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C. and was known for his many major building projects, including the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. The Second Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 by Roman legions following a Jewish revolt.
Excavation at the site is almost complete, and the Israel Antiquities Authority says construction of the apartments will begin in the coming weeks.
Because of the amount of ancient remains in Israel, builders are required to carry out a salvage excavation before beginning construction. Such digs regularly turn up
important finds.
Comments:
Anonymous said...
I saw a documentary on King Herod recently. This man was both a monster to his people, and a great builder. The seaport he had built was amazing. I can only imagine what his forced enslaved workers suffered to build monuments and palaces to his ego.Thank you for posting this. anon in Mexico
4:23 PM
Anonymous said...
Dear Dr. Ruby Yanez,
Have you not noticed that power can corrupt those who have it? Of course King Herod lives on even today with those who mutilate, control and murder their subjects because they have the power to do so. Just take a clear look at world leaders, their bloody wars of conquest (frequently under the guise of blatant but repeated lies) and those who are forever claiming to be the good guys. You know well who I am discussing. I live in a repressive land and cannot say my name. I am warning you Americans about socialized medicine. Who profits from it? Just follow the money.
12:45 PM
By Associated Press Writer Jen Thomas, – Mon Jul 6, 6:19 pm ET AP – This image made available by Israel's Antiquities Authority
JERUSALEM – Israeli archaeologists have uncovered an ancient quarry where they believe King Herod extracted stones for the construction of the Jewish Temple 2,000 years ago, the Israel Antiquities Authority said Monday. The archaeologists believe the 1,000-square-foot (100-square-meter) quarry was part of a much larger network of quarries used by Herod in the city.
The biggest stones extracted from the quarry would have measured three yards (meters) long, two yards (meters) across, and two yards (meters) high.
The archaeologists said the size of the stones indicates they could have been used in the construction of the Temple compound, including the Western Wall, a retaining wall that remains intact and is a Jewish shrine.
"The dimensions of the stones that were produced in the quarry that was revealed are suitable for the Temple walls," said Ofer Sion, the dig's director.
The two-week excavation, which was conducted before construction begins on an apartment complex at the site, also uncovered pottery, coins and what appear to be tools used in the quarry dating to the first century B.C.
"Finding a large quarry related to the largest building project ever undertaken in Jerusalem ... that's more than just another discovery," said archaeologist Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University, who was not involved in the excavation. "It's an additional block that slowly reveals the picture of construction in ancient Jerusalem."
Herod was the Roman-appointed king of the Holy Land from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C. and was known for his many major building projects, including the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. The Second Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 by Roman legions following a Jewish revolt.
Excavation at the site is almost complete, and the Israel Antiquities Authority says construction of the apartments will begin in the coming weeks.
Because of the amount of ancient remains in Israel, builders are required to carry out a salvage excavation before beginning construction. Such digs regularly turn up
important finds.
Comments:
Anonymous said...
I saw a documentary on King Herod recently. This man was both a monster to his people, and a great builder. The seaport he had built was amazing. I can only imagine what his forced enslaved workers suffered to build monuments and palaces to his ego.Thank you for posting this. anon in Mexico
4:23 PM
Anonymous said...
Dear Dr. Ruby Yanez,
Have you not noticed that power can corrupt those who have it? Of course King Herod lives on even today with those who mutilate, control and murder their subjects because they have the power to do so. Just take a clear look at world leaders, their bloody wars of conquest (frequently under the guise of blatant but repeated lies) and those who are forever claiming to be the good guys. You know well who I am discussing. I live in a repressive land and cannot say my name. I am warning you Americans about socialized medicine. Who profits from it? Just follow the money.
12:45 PM
Comments:
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I saw a documentary on King Herod recently. This man was both a monster to his people, and a great builder. The seaport he had built was amazing. I can only imagine what his forced enslaved workers suffered to build monuments and palaces to his ego.
Thank you for posting this.
anon in Mexico
Thank you for posting this.
anon in Mexico
# posted by 
: 4:23 PM
: 4:23 PM
Dear Dr. Ruby Yanez,
Have you not noticed that power can corrupt those who have it?
Of course King Herod lives on even today with those who mutilate, control and murder their subjects because they have the power to do so. Just take a clear look at world leaders, their wars of conquest (frequently under the guise of blatant but repeated lies)and those who are claiming to be the good guys. You know well who I am discussing. I live in a repressive land and cannot say my name. I am warning you Americans about socialized medicine. Who profits from it? Just follow the money.
Post a Comment
Have you not noticed that power can corrupt those who have it?
Of course King Herod lives on even today with those who mutilate, control and murder their subjects because they have the power to do so. Just take a clear look at world leaders, their wars of conquest (frequently under the guise of blatant but repeated lies)and those who are claiming to be the good guys. You know well who I am discussing. I live in a repressive land and cannot say my name. I am warning you Americans about socialized medicine. Who profits from it? Just follow the money.
# posted by : 12:45 PM
: 12:45 PM << Home
