Antonia Fortress

Discover Jerusalem

The Antonia Fortress, was a fortification located in Jerusalem during the time of the Second Temple. The fortress was built by King Herod the Great in the 1st century BCE as part of his extensive construction projects in the city.


Antonia Fortress

The Antonia Fortress was strategically located on the northeastern corner of the Temple Mount and overlooked the Temple courts. Its primary purpose was to provide a military garrison for the Roman troops stationed in Jerusalem to maintain order and quell any potential uprisings during religious festivals. The fortress was named by Herod the Great to honor Mark Antony, the ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire, who gave it to Herod as a gift in recognition of his support during the Roman civil war.

The Ultimate Guide Touring Jerusalem In A Day
The Ultimate Guide For Touring Jerusalem in a Day
In This Photo: Camel Rides in Israel

Furthermore, the Antonia Fortress was one of the region’s most impressive military structures, featuring walls up to 50 feet high and four towers at each corner. The fortress played a significant role in the events leading up to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. In 66 CE, Jewish rebels overpowered the Roman garrison stationed at the Antonia Fortress and seized control of the Temple Mount. This event marked the beginning of the First Jewish-Roman War.


In This Photo: The Second Temple and the Antonia Next to It. Moreover, You Can Visit the Model of Jerusalem at the Israel Museum

The Roman legions, led by General Titus, besieged Jerusalem in 70 CE, and after a fierce battle, they breached the walls and captured the city. The Antonia Fortress played a critical role in the final assault, serving as a base for the Roman siege engines that battered the Temple walls. Today, little remains of the Antonia Fortress, as it was destroyed during the siege of Jerusalem. The site is now part of the Haram al-Sharif complex and is located just north of the Dome of the Rock.

The Antonia Fortress in Christian Tradition

Traditionally, Christians have believed for centuries that the vicinity of the Antonia Fortress was the site of Pontius Pilate’s praetorium, where Jesus was tried for high treason. This was based on the assumption that an area of Roman flagstones discovered beneath the Church of the Condemnation and the Convent of the Sisters of Zion was ‘the pavement’ John 19:13 describes as the location of Jesus’ trial.


Gabbatha (Lithostrotos)
In This Photo: Gabbatha, Roman Flagstones Found Beneath Modern Jerusalem

In conclusion, the Antonia Fortress was a formidable military structure that played a pivotal role in the history of Jerusalem. It served as a symbol of Roman power and authority and was the site of some of the most significant events in the city’s history. Although little remains of the fortress today, its legacy remains a reminder of the turbulent times that shaped the region.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Simon Peter

RELATED POSTS

Amud Cave

Amud Cave is a limestone cave located in the Galilee region. The cave is renowned for its archaeological significance and its rich history

Gezer Calendar

So the Gezer calendar is a small limestone tablet with an early Canaanite inscription discovered in 1908 by Irish archaeologist R. A. Stewart Macalister in ...

Tomb of Benei Hezir

The Tomb of Benei Hezir is a tomb hewn from stone in the historic Mount of Olives Jewish cemetery of Jerusalem. Previously (and mistakenly) known ...

Temple of Hathor In Timna Park

The Temple of Hathor in Timna Park is one of the most interesting archaeological finds found in the Arava. But before talking about the shrine ...

Fulk of Jerusalem

Fulk of Jerusalem, a crusader king who ruled the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the 12th century! Let's delve into the life and legacy.

Kuntillet Ajrud Inscriptions

The Kuntillet Ajrud inscriptions are a series of inscriptions found in Sinai. The inscriptions serve to shake the foundations of monotheism.

Exploring the Lower Paleolithic Era

Lower Paleolithic era, marks a significant chapter in human history, showcasing the early stages of human development and advancements.

Third Crusade

The Third Crusade, which spanned from 1189 to 1192, was one of the most significant and dramatic campaigns of the medieval Crusades.

Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls (also the Qumran Caves Scrolls) are ancient Jewish religious manuscripts that were found in the Qumran Caves in the Judaean Desert, ...

Second Temple Jewish Sectarianism

Let's unravel the phenomenon of Jewish sectarianism during this era, examining the major sects and their contributions to Jewish thought!

Need help?

Skip to content