Untold Archaeology of the Temple Mount — Rare Footage

Recent questions

• What is the significance of the Temple Mount?

  The Temple Mount is a highly contested religious site in Jerusalem, managed jointly by Israel and the Islamic Waqf. It is the largest religious compound in the ancient world, occupying a significant portion of the Old City. The Dome of the Rock, a shrine built on the site where Abraham was believed to have been tested by sacrificing his son, is a prominent structure on the Mount. Additionally, the Golden Gate, sealed since medieval times, holds importance for Jews, Muslims, and Christians due to various prophecies associated with it. The site also contains ancient structures, artifacts, and inscriptions dating back to the First and Second Temple periods, making it a crucial historical and religious site.

• How do visitors access the Temple Mount?

  Non-Muslim visitors can only enter the Temple Mount through Bab al-Magharbeh gate on specific days and hours. Entry is allowed for a limited time and visitors must adhere to strict rules such as covering their shoulders and knees. Before entry, visitors must pass through metal detectors and receive a security briefing due to the high political tension surrounding the site. The Temple Mount is a place of religious significance and historical importance, making access for visitors a carefully regulated process to ensure the safety and respect of the site.

• What is the history of the Golden Gate?

  The Golden Gate, significant to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, has been sealed since medieval times to prevent the fulfillment of certain prophecies. Inside the gate, ancient gate posts believed to date back to the First Temple period can be found. The gate is associated with various prophecies and holds a deep historical and religious significance for multiple faiths. Its sealing and the presence of ancient structures within it add to the mystique and importance of the Golden Gate in the context of the Temple Mount.

• What was discovered after an earthquake damaged the Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1927?

  Following an earthquake that damaged the Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1927, various ancient structures, marble floors, underground passages, and a mosaic similar to one found in the Church of Nativity were discovered. Carbon dating of wooden support beams from the mosque revealed cypress trees and cedars of Lebanon dating back to the First and Second Temple periods. The site also contains Herodian style ceilings, Greek graffiti on ancient beams, ancient steps, secret passages, warning inscriptions, Jewish ritual baths, and numerous artifacts dating back to the First and Second Temple periods, shedding light on the rich history and archaeological significance of the Temple Mount.

• What is the current state of the Eastern Gate on the Temple Mount?

  The Eastern Gate on the Temple Mount is believed to be built on the original First Temple gate, known as the Shushan Gate, reserved for the high priest and his assistants during the Day of Atonement. The gate holds historical and religious significance, with ties to ancient practices and rituals. The gate's connection to the First Temple period and its role in religious ceremonies add to its importance as a site of historical and cultural value on the Temple Mount.