Of the most intriguing and captivating figures during the period of the Second Temple was Herod I, also called Herod the Great, who ruled over Judea from 36 - 4 BCE. Of Idumean descent, King Herod inflicted tremendous damage, both physically and psychologically, upon his Jewish subjects. He annihilated the remaining members of the Hasmonean family, including his own wife and children, and threatened the welfare of the Torah and its teachers.

Despite his many drawbacks, Herod was a remarkably noteworthy builder. During his reign, numerous palaces, fortresses, and theaters were built. The coastal city of Caesarea was expanded and greatly beautified, as was Herod’s crowing jewel, the Bais HaMikdash, or Temple, in Yerushalayim. Brilliantly engineered and beautifully designed, they are of the most noteworthy remains from the period of the Second Commonwealth, and a tribute to their ruthless but brilliant architect. In this webquest, we will learn more about these key building projects.

Amongst our areas of focus will be: