| The Model Of Jerusalem in Second Temple Period - Israel Museum in Jerusalem |
 |
| Written by |
| DATE_FORMAT_LC2 |
|
JERUSALEM A visit to Jerusalem can't be considered complete without a tour in the old city. But the ancient district includes so many sites – the short epithet “old” standing for such a long and complex history – that you might find yourself quickly overwhelmed by the surroundings. The Model Of Jerusalem in the Israel Museum provides a great preliminary overview of the place; it imparts the essential historical context – broad enough to satisfy general interest, and deep enough to support further inquiries.  Jerusalem Model The model presents a unique way of learning about the early history of the Israeli capital. A three dimensional replication on a scale of one to fifty, it reveals a bird's eye view of ancient Jerusalem: how the city might have looked like almost two thousand years ago. Notable historical sites and structures include the Temple, the Temple Mount, David's Tomb, The Golgotha, and others. The exhibit recreates not only what had been, but also what archaeologists and historians believe might had been. It's a loose approximation – a collection of ancient institutions, temples, and buildings that academics hypothesize existed in Jerusalem in 66 CE. The model shows Jerusalem at the height of its development, a few years before Romans legionnaires, led by Titus, sacked the city and destroyed the Second Temple. The model's completeness is expressed by the cultural range of the various buildings. There are places of worship (basilicas, churches, and synagogues), entertainment and commerce (theater and markets), palaces (one belonging to Herod, another to Caiaphas, the notorious high priest, who, according to the New Testament, was involved in Christ's trial), and infrastructure (bridges, towers, and gates), all interspersed with less glamorous lodgings. The main attraction is, undoubtedly, the Second Temple itself. The largest structure in the model, it conveys at least some of the glory it must have projected when standing in actual size. Perhaps, however, there's something sad about this little temple. It's still only a very small reminder of a past grandeur.  Jerusalem Model It also must be mentioned that the city is empty – there are no figurines of people – so it may appear, strangely enough, like a minuscule ghost town. Ironically, during my visit a large construction site could be seen outside the museum walls, with lift cranes rising above and appearing to touch the reproduction. But the irony is fleeting: the model is still being updated, as academics upkeeping it continue to consult with newest findings and discoveries. The model is located outside, facing visitors as they exit the lobby and enter the museum property. It's almost entirely white, in accordance with the modern municipal law that dictates that only Jerusalem limestone can be used for facade construction. Aesthetic integrity is being observed to the fullest possible extent. During your visit to the museum, an audio guide (the digitally controlled apparatus that plays recorded explanations, an accessory frequent museum goers will immediately recognize) will give you a detailed overview of the model in all major European languages. Knowledgeable and passionate volunteer guides expound the model in English and Hebrew. Official Website: http://www.english.imjnet.org.il/HTMLs/Home.aspx Bookmark us: 
|
| LAST_UPDATED2 |