Second Temple Period Model of Jerusalem
The Temple Mount has a long and complex history, spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations, each leaving its mark on the site.
This model, measuring approximately 1:50 scale, was initially constructed on the grounds of the Holyland Hotel in Jerusalem before being relocated to the Israel Museum in 2006. It portrays the city at its peak under Herod the Great, reflecting his ambitious architectural projects, including the expansion of the Temple Mount. The model integrates archaeological findings, historical texts such as Josephus' accounts, and comparative studies of contemporary Roman architecture.
The Temple Mount dominates the model, showcasing the Second Temple’s massive courtyards, colonnades, and the Sanctuary, which housed the Holy of Holies. The Royal Stoa, a grand basilica-like structure on the southern edge, and the Antonia Fortress, situated at the northwestern corner of the platform, are also prominently featured. Surrounding the Temple are residential districts, marketplaces, and aqueduct-fed pools, illustrating the city's sophisticated urban planning.
Lower city of Jerusalem (left). City of David district (right).
The model also includes significant landmarks such as Herod’s Palace, with its opulent halls and gardens, and the Upper City, home to Jerusalem’s aristocracy. The City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem, is depicted with its stepped streets and defensive walls, reflecting its role as the historic core. Bridges and causeways connect different districts, emphasizing the city's strategic and religious centrality.
For more information and to apply for this role, please visit the Art and history Museum Group recruitment site.
Through its detailed reconstruction, the Second Temple Period Model of Jerusalem offers a tangible connection to a pivotal era in Jewish history, helping both scholars and visitors visualize the architectural splendor and cultural landscape of the ancient city before its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE.
Sources
- Fine, Steven. "The Second Temple Period Model of Jerusalem: Its Origins and Interpretations." Journal of Jewish Art, vol. 23, 2018, pp. 45-67.
- Avi-Yonah, Michael. "Reconstructing Herodian Jerusalem: The Historical Basis of the Model." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, vol. 172, 1963, pp. 21-35.
- Madain Project. Holyland Model of Jerusalem. Accessed March 14, 2025.
- Netzer, Ehud. "Herodian Architecture and the Holyland Model." Israel Exploration Journal, vol. 49, no. 2, 1999, pp. 98-115.
- Israel Museum - Holyland Model of Jerusalem
- Geva, Hillel. "Urban Layout and Public Buildings in the Second Temple Period: Insights from the Model." Palestine Exploration Quarterly, vol. 142, 2010, pp. 77-94.
- Schwartz, Daniel R. "Visualizing Jerusalem: The Role of the Holyland Model in Public Perception of Jewish History." Jewish Quarterly Review, vol. 106, no. 3, 2016, pp. 317-335.
- Ben-Dov, Meir. "Archaeological Reconstructions and the Holyland Model: A Critical Review." Journal of Near Eastern Studies, vol. 58, no. 4, 2001, pp. 265-284.
- Biblical Archaeology Society - The Holyland Model of Jerusalem
