Fyi: Western Wall Not Built By Herod

[Ron Beron]

I found this recently and thought it might be of interest:

Israeli archaeologists have concluded that it is not Herod built the famousWailing Wall over two thousand years ago. At its foundation in fact found coinsminted by the Roman proconsul 20 years after the death of the king of Judea.

The discovery suggests, therefore, that Herod - contrary to the hitherto believed - could not even begin construction of the wall, which is considered the holiest place for Jews.

Until now it was thought that the Wailing Wall, a remnant of the so-called. Second Temple (the first was the Temple of Solomon, destroyed by the Babylonians), was founded during the reign of Herod. Who died four years before the birth of Christ, King of Judea, therefore, considered to be its builder.

According to Ronny Reich of Haifa University - one of the archaeologists in charge of archeology at the Wailing Wall - the four found there in bronze coins were minted by Valerius Gratusa more than 20 years after the death of Herod - around 17 AD. Gratus was the predecessor of Pontius Pilate as a Roman governor of Jerusalem.

Coins found at the premises of the old ritual baths, which were buried inside, in order to strengthen the foundations of the temple built over it.

The Second Temple was destroyed in 70 AD - during the suppression of anti-Roman uprising of the Jews. Until the outbreak of the revolt had reached such as a result of dissatisfaction of thousands of former temple builders and new roads in Jerusalem, who, after completing this work remained destitute.

amagda is based in London, England, United Kingdom, and is an Anchor for Allvoices.

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/10960405-it-is-not-herod-built-the-western-wall

[volgadon]

While reserving judgment until I can look into this further, let me observe that coins are notoriously tricky for dating purposes.

[Bill Hamblin]

The reconstruction of the Temple Mount was begun by Herod. He seems to have rebuilt the temple itself first, then expanded the plaza. The construction on the plaza went on for decades, and apparently remained unfinished when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. What the coins tell us is that the Western Wall section of the expansion of the Temple Mount plaza was probably begun after the death of Herod.

[Ron Beron]

While reserving judgment until I can look into this further, let me observe that coins are notoriously tricky for dating purposes.

Apparently the coins were found at the bottom of the new construction, the wall, which was built around it thereby making the construction older than the coins which post dated Herod. I agree that there is much more here that needs to be uncovered. I hope the Jerusalem Moslims allow the research necessary, but I think in this case they would have little problem in allowing research that places question on the structure relating to the temple or Herod.

[volgadon]

The reconstruction of the Temple Mount was begun by Herod. He seems to have rebuilt the temple itself first, then expanded the plaza. The construction on the plaza went on for decades, and apparently remained unfinished when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. What the coins tell us is that the Western Wall section of the expansion of the Temple Mount plaza was probably begun after the death of Herod.

It could very well be that the Western Wall postdates Herod, but I'd rather wait for more evidence.

[mfbukowski]

Bump.

Is it possible that the coins were added later as a repair or something?

[volgadon]

Bump.

Is it possible that the coins were added later as a repair or something?

Yes, which is why using coins can be tricky.

[Bill Hamblin]

I think the real issue is where the coins where found. Unless they are under unmoved in situ stones, there can be ambiguities in interpretation.