Biblical Engineer, The

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Sitting at the crossroads of history, the story of the Second Temple is a long and complex one. Built by the returning exiles from Babylon, extensively expanded to its full glory by Herod, and finally destroyed by the Romans, this book tells that story within the context of science, history, politics, and geography. Who were the master builders and craftsman who designed and constructed the Temple, and how did they accomplish their monumental job? Using both classical and biblical sources, the author surveys the state of architectural and engineering technology during this time period. Through a generous use of detailed illustrations, maps, floor plans, and diagrams--the reader will learn about what tools and techniques were available to Herod’s engineers for their project as well as the particular challenges they faced. Throughout the course of the book, the author pays close attention to the historical developments during the period when the Second Temple stood, tying in how these developments affected the state of monumental architecture in Ancient Israel. In addition, some further historical background is given as the author surveys the history of both Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, from Solomon’s Temple to the first stages of reconstruction after the Babylonian Exile and down to the splendor of King Herod. Finally, we see the events leading up to the revolt against Rome in 66AD that resulted in the long siege of Jerusalem—with excerpts from Josephus’s Work of Antiquities described here in detail--the breaching of the walls of Herod’s Temple, and its eventual destruction. A timely book in light of current situation in the Middle East.