510s BC facts for kids

The 510s BC was a decade that saw important events in ancient history. One of the most significant was the completion of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Second Temple is Finished

On February 25, 516 BC, a very important building was finally finished in the ancient city of Jerusalem. This building was the Second Temple. It was a holy place for the Jewish people.

Why Was This Temple Important?

The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, had been destroyed many years before by the Babylonians. This was a sad time for the Jewish people. They were forced to leave their homeland and live in Babylon.

After some time, the Persian King Cyrus the Great allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem. He also gave them permission to rebuild their Temple. This was a huge moment of hope and joy.

Building the New Temple

Building the Second Temple was not easy. It took many years and a lot of hard work. The people faced challenges, but they were determined to complete it. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged them to keep going.

When the Temple was finally finished in 516 BC, it was a big celebration. It meant that the Jewish people had a central place to worship again. It showed their strong faith and their ability to rebuild after difficult times.