The cost of the construction of Solomon’s Temple was not less than $30,000,000 according to the estimate of Professor Ignatz Alfred Grotte, of Breslau, who lectured here on the subject of “The Two Jewish Temples.”
The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was constructed mainly of Egyptian materials and was completed not earlier than 1000 B.C., according to the Professor’s conclusions. The materials were not very durable, being mainly marble covered with gold plate. It was set fire to by the besieging troops of Nebuchadnezzar in the year 587 B.C., and was completely destroyed.
The Second large Temple was started by Herod in 20 B.C. on the site of Solomon’s Temple. The construction lasted 60 years. The Hered Temple surpassed in splendor and size the Acropolis of Athens. Two years after the Temple was completed, it was destroyed by the Romans. All that remained was a wall which in reality had no connection with the Temple proper. This wall is now known as the “Wailing Wall”. The Omar Mosque is now situated on the site of the Temples.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.