12/20 | A Trip to the Old City and a Happy Hanukkah to Everyone!

Today, I had the opportunity to go to some of the lesser-known spots in the Old City with my Archaeology of Jerusalem class.  Instead of visiting the traditionally Jewish spots, we focused on Jerusalem after the destruction of the Second Temple.  During this period, the city was known as Aelia Capitolina under Emperor Hadrian and was heavily influenced by Jesus and the advent of Christianity.

The Ecce Homo (Behold the Man) ceremonial arch is a remnant of the Roman forum (marketplace) of Emperor Hadrian's city of Aelia Capitolina.  It marks the spot where Jesus was bound and crowned with thorns.

 One of the ends of the Ecce Homo arch is incorporated into the apse of the Convent of the Sisters of Zion.

The Struthion Pool is a large cistern under the Convent of the Sisters of Zion.  It is built with two sets of vaults--one going horizontal (bottom left) and the other going vertical (the top).  It was covered so as to provide a flat surface for the forum above.

A mosaic along the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus walked his last steps. 

The outside of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus, or Yeshua in Hebrew, was supposedly crucified, buried, and resurrected.  It is an interesting building with a troubled history.  The church is shared by a number of different Christian denominations that do not get along.  The most poignant example of their contempt for each other can be seen in the ladder under the top right window.  Because nobody would ever agree to change the status quo, the wall and the ledge that the ladder rests on are "owned" by two different groups that refuse the other to touch their space.  It has remained in the same position since 1854. 

The stone where Jesus was laid after his crucifixion. 

The holiest site in Christianity.  This was taken inside the small cave where Jesus' was laid to rest and rose three days later.

A replica of the Madaba Map in Jordan.  It shows what Jerusalem looked like during the period when it was known as Aelia Capitolina. 

The remnant of a pillar with the inscription "Legio X Fretensis."  This was the tenth legion of the Roman army that destroyed the Second Temple and built Aelia Capitolina in place of Jerusalem.  Today, the pillar is used as a Christmas decoration next to a bar.

Finally, a HAPPY HANUKKAH to everyone and a meaningful Festival of Lights to all.

Happy Hanukkah!