Part of a giant model showing the city of Jerusalem in the first century CE. On the set we see, among others, the great Antonia Fortress, which was commissioned by Herod the Great in 31 BCE.
It was supposed to defend access to the Jerusalem’s Temple and strengthen the defense of the walls from the north, most vulnerable to storms.
Three of the four towers were 25 m high, while the fourth 35 m. Its foundations were on a steep rock, also 25 m high. At the beginning of the 1st century CE there were legionary barracks in the Fortress.
The fortress owes its name to the patron Herod – Mark Antony. The building was destroyed in the year 70 CE during the Jewish uprising.
