By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President
Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and arrayed Him in a purple robe…Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” (John 19:1,2,5 [Emphasis added]).
Christmas is in the rearview mirror and the headlights barely reveal the coming Easter celebration. But archaeology is already helping to illuminate some interesting details about the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
In 35 BC, Herod the Great built the Antonia Fortress to protect Jerusalem’s vulnerability to attack from the north. This palace or citadel was placed at the northwest corner of the Temple mount. Its towers stood 115 feet high with underground passageways that gave access to the city and the mount. Its footprint was more than the size of a football field, plus additional surrounding area. It served as headquarters for the Roman army in Jerusalem. At times, Roman Governors would stay there during visits.
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