Second Temple facts for kids

Second Temple Herod's Temple
Model of Herod's Temple (a renovation of the Second Temple) in the Israel Museum, created in 1966 as part of the Holyland Model of Jerusalem. The model was inspired by the writings of Josephus.
Basic information
Location	Herodian Temple Mount, Jerusalem
Architectural description
Specifications
Height (max)	45.72 metres (150.0 ft)
Materials	local limestone
Parent listing:	Second Temple History Founded c. 537–516 BCE (construction) Site notes Excavation dates 1930, 1967, 1968, 1970–1978, 1996–1999, 2007 Archaeologists Charles Warren, Benjamin Mazar, Ronny Reich, Eli Shukron, Yaakov Billig Condition Ruin, archaeological park Ownership Disputed, currently managed by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Public access Yes (limited)

The Second Temple (Hebrew: בית המקדש meaning 'Holy House') was the reconstructed Temple in Jerusalem which stood between 516 BCE and 70 CE. It is also known as Herod's Temple. During this time, it was the center of Jewish worship. The Romans destroyed Jerusalem and its Second Temple on August 4, 70 CE.

Images for kids

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  Solomon's Temple which was on the site prior to the building of the Second Temple

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  This picture shows the temple as imagined in 1966 in the Holyland Model of Jerusalem.

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  James Tissot – Reconstruction of Jerusalem and the Temple of Herod – Brooklyn Museum

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  A model of the southern wall and Royal Colonnade or Stoa

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  Eastern portion of the southern wall of the Temple Mount

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  Remains of the Hulda Gates

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  Marwan Mosque on the site of Solomon's Stables

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  The Foundation Stone under the Dome of the Rock, a possible historical location for the Kodesh Hakodashim

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  Proposed reconstruction of Robinson's Arch

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  Roman triumphal procession with spoils from the Temple, depicted on the inside wall of the Arch of Titus in Rome

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  The Madaba Map depiction of 6th-century Aelia Capitolina has the Cardo Maximus, the town’s main street, beginning at the northern gate, today's Damascus Gate, and traversing the city in a straight line from north to south to "Nea Church".

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  Robinson's Arch – remains of the entrance built by Herod to the Royal Colonnade

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  Remnants of the 1st century Stairs of Ascent, discovered by archaeologist Benjamin Mazar, to the entrance of the Temple Courtyard. Pilgrims coming to make sacrifices at the Temple would have entered and exited by this stairway.

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  Stones from the Western Wall thrown down by Roman soldiers in 70 CE

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  Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans (1850 painting by David Roberts). Looking southwest

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  View of Temple Mount looking southwest

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  View of the southern part of Temple Mount

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  Magdala Stone

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  Bar Kokhba tetradracm showing the Jerusalem Temple façade 132-135 CE

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  Arch of Titus showing spoils of Jerusalem Temple

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  The upper corner of Herod's temple colonnade with ancient Hebrew inscription

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  The Warning Inscription found in 1871

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  A copy of the inscription found in 1871

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  Fragment of Second Temple Warning

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  The Trumpeting Place inscription, a stone (2.43x1 m) with Hebrew inscription "To the Trumpeting Place" excavated by Benjamin Mazar at the southern foot of the Temple Mount is believed to be a part of the Second Temple.