The Western Wall in Jerusalem: History and Construction
The Western Wall, also known as the Ha-Kotel in Hebrew, is one of the most important and recognizable sites in the Old City of Jerusalem. Its rich history and fascinating construction details have made it a unique witness to the religious and historical changes over the centuries.
Herod the Great: The Builder
Herod the Great initiated the extensive reconstruction of the Second Temple, including the construction of the large, heavy-duty foundation wall known today as the Western Wall. This monumental work took place between 30 and 10 BCE. The Herodian wall is built with massive stone blocks of various sizes, some measuring approximately 3x3x5 and 2x2x4 feet, respectively, made primarily of limestone with beautifully carved borders. These dimensions and the craftsmanship are a testament to the engineering capabilities of the time.
After Herod: Repairs and Revisions
The Western Wall has undergone several repairs over the centuries, with different materials and techniques used. Suleiman the Great is credited with some of these repairs in the 1500s, though the exact date is uncertain.
The current view of the Western Wall reveals at least three generations of stone blocks. Starting from the bottom, there are large rectangular Herodian blocks, medium-sized square blocks above, and the top rows consist of smaller rectangular blocks. Each layer of stones, known as a course, provides insight into the different periods of construction and repair. The Western Wall consists of about 17 courses of Herodian-era blocks that are below the level of the current Western Wall plaza. These blocks are massive, with individual stones weighing anywhere from 70 to 500 tons each.
Original Purpose and Significance
The original Western Wall was built by Herod the Great as an extension wall to expand Solomon's Temple complex. It was completed around 20-7 BCE. According to archaeologists and historians, the Western Wall was part of the protective external wall of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Whether it was a part of the temple itself or merely a surrounding protective wall, the Western Wall stands as the last remaining physical relic of the temple's grand structure.
The walls are primarily constructed from stone limestone, sourced from the nearby area. Each course of the wall provides a historical timeline, with the upper courses being from the medieval era and the most recent repairs. The upper parts, which are less than 500 years old, often include smaller stone blocks to address the collapse of the older parts of the wall.
Discover More
For more detailed information on the Western Wall and its construction, visitors can refer to the Wikipedia page, which provides comprehensive insights into the historical and architectural significance of this iconic site.