Herodian architecture
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Herodian architecture is a style of classical architecture characteristic of the numerous building projects undertaken during the reign of Herod the Great, the Roman client king of Judea. Herod undertook many colossal building projects, most famously his reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Many of his structures were built upon comparable, previous Hasmonean buildings and most of his have, in their turn, vanished as well.
The Enclosure of the Cave of the Patriarchs, Hebron. This large rectangular enclosure around the famous caves is the only Herodian structure to survive fully intact.
Aerial view of the acropolis of Herodium
Detail of the distinctive pattern of Herodian stone-dressing as seen in the Western Wall Tunnel.
Model of Herod's Temple (renovation of the Second Temple) in the Israel Museum.
Royal Stoa (Jerusalem)
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The Royal Stoa was an ancient basilica constructed by Herod the Great during his renovation of the Temple Mount at the end of the first century BCE. Probably Herod's most magnificent secular construction, the three-aisled structure was described by Josephus as deserving "to be mentioned better than any other under the sun." A center of public and commercial activity, the Royal Stoa was the likely location of Jesus' cleansing of the Temple recounted in the New Testament. The Royal Stoa overlooked Jerusalem's residential and commercial quarters, and at its southwestern corner was the place from which a ram's horn was blown to announce the start of holy days.
Proposed reconstruction of the Royal Stoa at the Holyland Model of Jerusalem
Model of the Herodian Temple Mount: Temple (center), Royal Stoa (left), and Antonia Fortress (right)
Southern Wall as depicted at the Holyland Model, showing the Huldah Gates and the Royal Stoa
Silver shekel minted during the Great Revolt. The archaizing, paleo-Hebrew inscription reads: "Shekel of Israel" "Year 3" (obverse); "Jerusalem the Holy" (reverse)