Temple in Jerusalem facts for kids

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The Temple in Jerusalem, also known as the Holy Temple, was a very important building in ancient Jerusalem. Its Hebrew name, Bet HaMikdash, means "The Holy House." For Jewish people, it was seen as a special place where God's presence was felt on Earth. People would bring offerings there, as described in their holy book, the Torah.

This special Temple stood on a hill called the Temple Mount (or Har HaBayit) in the old part of Jerusalem. Two main Temples stood on this site over many centuries.

The First Temple: King Solomon's Creation

The first Temple was built by King Solomon. It took him seven years to build it, around the 10th century BCE (about 957 BCE). This building was the main center for ancient Judaism.

Sadly, the First Temple did not last forever. It was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. This was a very sad event for the Jewish people.

The Second Temple: Rebuilt and Destroyed

After the First Temple was destroyed, a new one was built. This Second Temple was constructed between 535 BCE and 516 BCE. It stood for many years, but it also faced destruction.

The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE. Today, only some of the outer walls of the Temple Mount still stand. The Temple building itself is long gone.

What Stands on the Temple Mount Today?

Today, the Temple Mount is home to two important Islamic buildings. The Islamic Dome of the Rock has been on the site of the Temple since the late 7th century CE. The al-Aqsa Mosque, built around the same time, also stands in the Temple courtyard.

Related pages

• Al-Aqsa Mosque
• Second Temple

Images for kids

• 

  In the middle of ancient Jerusalem stands the famous temple of Solomon.

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  Herod's Temple as imagined in the Holyland Model of Jerusalem. It is currently next to the Shrine of the Book exhibit at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

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  Remains of the 1st-century Stairs of Ascent in front of the Double Gate, found by archaeologist Benjamin Mazar.

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  Diagram of the Temple (top of diagram is north).

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  Model of Second Temple made by Michael Osnis from Kedumim.

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  The Trumpeting Place inscription, a stone (2.43×1 m) with Hebrew writing "To the Trumpeting Place" found during archaeological digs by Benjamin Mazar at the southern foot of the Temple Mount. It is believed to be a part of the Second Temple complex.

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  Ezekiel's Temple as imagined by Charles Chipiez in the 19th century.

See also

In Spanish: Templo de Jerusalén para niños