Archaeology of the Birth of & 1st Century

I. The of the Nativity in Bethlehem Early Christian traditions located the birth of Jesus in a cave near Bethlehem.

Justin Martyr (c. 100 – 165 AD) Dialogue with Trypho, chapt LXXVIII: "Joseph took up his quarters in a certain cave near the village; and while they were there Mary brought forth the Christ and placed Him in a manger, and here the Magi who came from Arabia found Him."

Origen of Alexandria (185 AD - circa. 254 AD) Contra Celsum, book I, chapter LI: "In Bethlehem the cave is pointed out where He was born, and the manger in the cave where He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. And the rumor is in those places, and among foreigners of the Faith, that indeed Jesus was born in this cave who is worshipped and reverenced by the Christians."

A basilica church was built in 339 AD over a cave considered to be the traditional site of Jesus' birth. Commissioned by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena Octagonal structure surrounding the cave of the nativity attached to the basilica Destroyed by fire in early 6th century and rebuilt by Justinian in 565 AD.

Jerome lived in Bethlehem from 388 AD until his death in 420 AD & was buried at the Church of the Nativity.

II. First Century Jerusalem A. Herodian Temple () 1. Initially rebuilt during the Restoration period and rededicated in 517 BC. 2. The Hasmoneans (Jewish Rulers) expanded the in 2nd century BC. 3. undertook a massive restoration of the Jerusalem temple in 19 BC and continued after his death, being finished in 63 AD. 4. Important Features of Herod's Temple: Courtyards: Gentile's Court, Women's Court, Court of Israel, Priest's Court Gentile Court Warning Inscription Colonnaded Porticos (Porches) on all four sides ('s Porch) Staircase Entrances: , Triple Huldah Gate, Double Huldah Gate, Southwest Corner staircase & Gate (Robinson's Arch), Barclay's Gate (), Wilson's Arch, Warren's Gate Royal Basilica on the South Side - Sanhedrin's Place on the Northwest Side (Roman garrison)

B. City Surroundings - East of the city – further east across the valley is the Hinnom Valley on the South of the city Necropolis (tombs) on all four sides of the city C. Water Supply Pool Bethesda in the north, above the temple mount Siloam Pool in the South ( of David), fed by Gihon Spring