Herod´s temple

Herod's Temple in Jerusalem, Israel, was one of the biggest construction projects of the first century BC, comparable to some of the seven wonders of the world. Herod was interested in perpetuating his name for all eternity through building projects, and his construction program in the Land of Israel was extensive.

The building of Herod's temple in Jerusalem old city began around 19 BCE. It started with the construction of huge underground vaults on which the temple would be built. Ground level at the time was at least 20 ft. (6m) below the current level. One can see this while walking the Western Wall tunnels. The edge of this platform remains everywhere; part of it forms The Western Wall.

Recent archeological digs have found thousands of "Mikvas" (ceremonial bathtubs) for the ritual purification of the worshippers - Israelites. Legend has it that the construction of the entire complex lasted only three years, but other sources say that it took far longer. It is possible that the complex was only a few years completed when the future Emperor Titus burnt the place to the ground in 70 CE.

In 1948, Jordan destroyed the Jewish Quarter and much more of the Jeruslaem Western Wall was revealed along the southern side. In 1967, when Israel took control of Old Jerusalem it was found that the wall extended all the way around Temple Mount and is part of the city wall near the Lion's Gate. Thus, the Western Wall is not the only remaining part of the Jerusalem Holy Temple.