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Pompeius Magnus

  • Lifespan: 106 BC - 48 BCE

  • Historical Context:

    • The danger to Judea materialized with the march of Pompey into Jerusalem in 63 BCE.

    • Pompey was a notable general recognized for his significant military achievements in the East.

    • Fought and lost in a civil war against Julius Caesar and was eventually murdered in Egypt.

  • Cultural Context:

    • Roman leaders regarded themselves as the successors of Hellenistic kings, especially Alexander the Great.

    • In his portrait, Pompey deliberately emulated Alexander's hairstyle but depicted himself with small eyes and narrow lips, giving a less idealized and more personal character to his image.

Archaeological Evidence

  • Stelae in the Court of Gentiles:

    • Inscription: ΜΗ ΕΝΑΑΛΛΟΓΕΝΗΕΙΣΠΟ ΡΕΥΕΣΘΑΙ ΕΝΤΟΣ ΤΟΥΠΕ ΡΙΤΟΙΕΡΟΝ ΤΡΥΦΑΚΤΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΠΕΡΙΒΟΛΟΥΟΣΔΑΝΛΗ ΦΘΗΕΑΥΤΩΙΑΙΤΙΟΣΕΣ ΤΑΙ ΔΙΑΤΟ ΕΞΑΚΟΛΟΥ ΘΕΙΝΘΑΝΑΤΟΝ

    • Translation: "Let no foreigner enter within the parapet and the partition surrounding the Temple precincts. Anyone caught [violating] will be held accountable for his ensuing death."

The Pool and its Historical Context

  • Destruction and Coverage:

    • The pool was destroyed and covered following the First Jewish-Roman War in 70 CE.

    • Dating indicated by coins discovered on stones near the pool, with the latest coin dated to 69 CE, marking four years since the onset of the Great Revolt.

  • Natural Changes:

    • Post-destruction, winter rains washed alluvium from the hills into the valley, filling the pool with silt layers up to 4 meters deep until it was completely covered.

  • Reconstruction:

    • The pool was not reconstructed until at least the reign of Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 BCE).

    • It is uncertain whether this reconstruction occurred at the original site of the earlier pool, built by Hezekiah.

  • Dimensions:

    • Excavations revealed the pool was 225 feet wide and had steps on at least three sides, taking a soft trapezoidal shape.

  • Steps Description:

    • Three sets of five steps, with two leading to a platform, were identified before reaching the bottom.

Herod I's Reign

  • Political Context:

    • In 36 BCE, after defeating Antigonus with Roman assistance, Herod I welcomed former High Priest Hyrcanus back to Jerusalem, showing great respect.

    • Herod sought to eliminate any potential threats to his rule, suspecting Hyrcanus of plotting with the Nabateans.

  • Hyrcanus's Death:

    • In 30 BCE, Herod executed Hyrcanus, who was reported to be 80 years old at the time of his death.

    • Biblical scholar Gregory Doudna postulated that Hyrcanus II represented the Teacher of Righteousness mentioned in the Qumran Scrolls, associating him with the Sadducee sect.

Herod's Temple

  • Temple Model:

    • A model of Herod's Temple created in 1966 is on display at the Israel Museum, based on Josephus's writings.

  • Restoration Project:

    • At the peak of his rule, Herod initiated the project to restore the Temple, driven by political motives to placate the Jewish population.

    • Aimed to mitigate resentment due to his Edomite background and previous rivalry with the Romans.

  • Comparison with Solomon's Temple:

    • Solomon's Temple, completed in 957 BCE, was less than half the size of Herod's expanded Second Temple, which underwent construction around 20-19 BCE.

  • Interior Furnishings:

    • Historians mention:

    • Seven-branched lampstand symbolizing the seven planets.

    • Shewbread table with twelve loaves representing the monthly and zodiac cycles.

    • Incense altar composed of thirteen grain types, indicating all universe products.

    • Josephus emphasized that the inner sanctum was empty except for the divine presence, and praised the Temple's splendor, likening its white marble and gold to a sunlit snow-covered peak.

Arch of Titus and Catacombs

  • Arch of Titus:

    • Located in Rome, Italy, constructed after 81 CE, it commemorates the Siege of Jerusalem.

  • Spoils Relief:

    • A relief panel in the Arch illustrates the spoils taken from Jerusalem.

Development of Rabbinic Judaism

  • Yochanan ben Zakkai:

    • Significant figure in rabbinic Judaism, active from 30 BCE to 90 CE.

  • Impact of the Fall of Jerusalem:

    • A marked transformation in Jewish religious practices as Judaism had to evolve without the Temple and centralized cult.

    • Temple tax shifted to a tax for the Roman Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus.

  • Synagogue Development:

    • The synagogue became a critical institution, serving multiple community functions such as court, school, and meeting space.

    • Originated as a place for assembly, the synagogue underwent architectural and social transformations creating new religious dynamics.

Early Synagogue Examples

  • Ostia Antica Synagogue:

    • The oldest known synagogue in Europe dating back to around 100 CE.

    • Architectural features included a layout that suggested a blending of synagogue and mosque characteristics.

  • Dura Europos Synagogue:

    • Dating to c. 244 CE, it contains tempera over plaster paintings; the earliest known synagogue still preserved.

    • The synagogue's design included figural scenes despite Jewish prohibitions against images, indicating an evolving interpretation of religious art.

  • Beth Alpha Synagogue:

    • Located near Beit She'an, Israel, features mosaics with zodiac signs and mythological figures demonstrating Hellenistic influences in Jewish art.

    • Excavations revealed lavish decorations and architecturally rich designs, reflecting socio-cultural exchanges.

Catacombs

  • Function and Structure:

    • Catacombs served as burial sites for Christians and, less so, Jews, consisting of subterranean galleries and chambers.

    • The term derives from Latin "ad catacumbas," meaning "in the hollows."

  • Construction Method:

    • Both communities excavated catacombs in tufa bedrock, similar to Etruscan tombs, accommodating millions of bodies between the second and fourth centuries.

    • Galleries and loculi were developed incrementally, along with cubicula for chapels.

Jewish Communities and Art

  • Dura-Europos Wall Paintings:

    • Murals included significant biblical events such as the anointing of David, evident of late antique artistic styles deviating from traditional Jewish art norms.

    • The portrayal of figures and scenes broke away from prior restrictions, indicating a cultural adaptation within the Jewish faith as they interacted with surrounding cultures.

  • Witness to Evolution:

    • The growth of synagogues across regions including Galilee illustrates a shift to places of worship devoid of idols, accommodating a more communal and educational function, marking the evolution of Jewish practices into Rabbinical Judaism.