This is a fantastic model of ancient Jerusalem during the time of Jesus and the Second (Herod's) Temple, before its destruction in 70 AD. It was created by archaeologists according to various historical sources: Josephus, the Mishnah, the Talmuds, the Tosephta, and the New Testament as well as archaeological discoveries. It uses mainly the same materials as the original: marble, copper and iron, stone and wood. The model is located in the grounds of the Holyland Hotel in Jerusalem. The model was built to the scale 1:50 (2cms = 1m).
The construction of the model was the initiative of the late Mr. Hans Kroch under the supervision of the eminent archeologist Professor Michael Avi-Yonah of the Hebrew University. Professor Avi-Yonah supervised the construction of the model and its renovation until his death in 1974. Mrs. Eva Avi-Yonah drew the plans of the entire model, as well as sections and facades of most of the buildings.
