Texts & Studies in Ancient Judaism 117
By Ehud Netzer
December 2006
Mohr Siebeck
Distributed by
ISBN: 316148570X
443 pages, Illustrated, 6¼ x 9¼"
$257.50 Hardback
Herod the Great was one of the famous builders of the classical world. Judaea, his kingdom, a crossroads between the Eastern Mediterranean countries, Mesopotamia, Arabia, and Egypt, symbolizes the transition between the Hellenistic and Early Roman periods as well as the climax of the Second Temple period, which witnessed the emergence of many religious and spiritual movements including Christianity. Beyond the influence of the matured Hellenistic architecture, the developing Roman architecture, and the local building activity of his predecessors, the Hasmonaeans, Herod's buildings benefited from his analytical mind, creative imagination, and deep understanding of the process of building and planning. The consequences are outstanding structures such as Masada's Northern Palace and Herodium's cylindrical palatial fortress, and the peak of his achievements are Caesarea Maritima with its deepwater harbor and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's Temple Mount.
Having an architectural as well as an archaeological background, Ehud Netzer is able to highlight Herod's personal involvement and contributions in his building projects. This book presents, in many aspects, the first comprehensive synthesis of Herod's enterprises from archaeological and, mainly, architectural viewpoints.
Contents:
Part 1. Herod's Building Projects
Chapter 1. Herod, the Man & King
Chapter 2. Masada (Three Phases of Construction)
Chapter 3. Building Projects at Jericho (Three Palaces & a Hippodrome)
Chapter 4. Building Projects in Samaria-Sebaste
Chapter 5. The Port-City of Caesarea Maritima
Chapter 6. Building Projects in Jerusalem
Chapter 7. The Rebuilding of the Second Temple & its Precinct
Chapter 8. Herodium - Palace, Burial Site & Memorial to the King's Name
Chapter 9. The Desert Fortresses
Chapter 10. Other Building Projects
Part 2. General Discussion
Chapter 11. Introduction
Chapter 12. The Planning of Palaces
Chapter 13. The Planning of Temples
Chapter 14. The Planning of Sport & Entertainment Facilities
Chapter 15. The Planning of Cities
Chapter 16. Architectural Influences from the Greco-Roman World
Chapter 17. Herod's Personal Involvement in his Building Projects
Epilogue. Herod's Building Program
Appendixes
Appendix 1. Herodian Building Materials and Methods
Appendix 2. Herodian Architectural Decoration
Appendix 3. Herodian Stuccowork Ceilings
Appendix 4. Herodian Wall Paintings
Appendix 5. Herodian Mosaic Pavements
Plates
Bibliography
Index of Sources
General Index
Bibliography
Figures
Index of Ancient Sources
Index of Modern Authors
Index of Subjects & Key Terms
Religion - Judaism-History
Religion - Antiquity & Archaeology
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