TEMPLE OF SOLOMON

   Although earlier Israelite architecture existed in Egypt, perhaps the best-known Jewish structure from antiquity is the legendary Temple of Solomon, built in Jerusalem by King Solomon to house the Ark of the Covenant. After David conquered Jerusalem in 1004 BC, he resolved to build a great temple; he turned this task over to his son, Solomon, who initiated construction shortly after his rule began. Biblical accounts of construction describe the stone that was quarried from beneath Jerusalem, the timber that was sent from Lebanon, and the vast underground cisterns that brought water to the temple. The Book of Kings attributes the overall plan for the temple to a trade agreement between Hiram of Tyre and Solomon. The building was thought to have a portico at its entrance, elevated by a series of steps and supported by two large columns. Wings on either side gave the temple a tripartite division, with a tall, angled roof and a ridgepole that ran down the middle of the building and allowed for clerestory windows to light the interior. Clearly, the Temple of Solomon blended architectural traditions found across Mesopotamia and down into Egypt. Its stone courtyard recalls ancient Canaanite architecture, while the two large fire pillars that topped the front portico are Phoenician, and the hypostyle hall and clerestory windows reveal Ancient Egyptian influences. Pillaged many times through its history, the "First Temple," as it came to be called, was completely destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. The Second Temple was begun in 516 BC, later to be destroyed by the Roman Emperor Titus.

   See also ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN ARCHITECTURE.