History

An earlier tower constructed on this site may possibly go back to the time of King Solomon. According to Josephus Herod the Great built the Fortress of Antonia upon the site of an earlier Maccabaean fortress that was built by John Hyrcanus I (135-105 B.C.). The Hasmonean rulers had resided at the Baris (fortress) when they were performing priestly duties in the Temple. Pompey destroyed it in 63 B.C. Earlier Nehemiah had built a fortress at this site when he had rebuilt Jerusalem (Neh 2:8) and it was referred to as the "Tower of the Hundred" in Nehemiah’s wall (Neh 3:1). There can be no doubt that king Solomon had also built a fortress at this site, because the northwest corner of the Temple area was the only hill, which rose high above the Temple area.

Antonia Fortress Home

Bible History Online Home