31.7732°N 35.2023°WThe Holyland Model of Jerusalem, also known as Model of Jerusalem at the end of the Second Temple period (Hebrew: דגם ירושלים בסוף ימי בית שני) is a 1:50 scale model of the city of Jerusalem in the late Second Temple period. The model, designed by Michael Avi-Yonah,[1] was moved from its original location at the Holyland Hotel in Bayit VeGan, Jerusalem, to a new site at the Israel Museum in June 2006.[2]
According to Yael Padan, the model was built in 1962–1966, a time when almost the entire area it depicts was under Jordanian rule and therefore off-limits for Israeli archaeologists and visitors alike. This endowed the model with a multi-layered purpose, of replacing the original site, educating the Israeli public, and creating a sense of national belonging and continuity.[3]
According to Annabel J. Wharton, the model, measuring 2000sqm, was commissioned in 1966 by the banker Hans Kroch, the owner of the Holyland Hotel, in memory of his son, Yaakov, an IDF soldier who was killed in Israel's 1948 War of Independence. The model was designed by Israeli historian and geographer Michael Avi-Yonah based on the writings of Flavius Josephus and other historical sources. The model includes a replica of the Herodian Temple. From 1974, Yoram Tsafrir (1938–2015) superintended the Holyland Model of Jerusalem.[4]
In 2006, the model was relocated to the southern edge of the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden at the Israel Museum. In preparation for the move, the model was sawn into 100 pieces and later reassembled. The Holyland Hotel spent $3.5 million on the move.
The Jerusalem model features a number of notable and important structures,[5] as the model was based on the writings of Josephus at the time of its construction. Since then some modifications have been made to the model, such as the removal of the Hippodrome,because the archeological research didn't corroborate its existence which is controversial. To its probable existence point the fact that they organized feasts and celebrations in the city similar in fashion to the Greek ones.
The city was divided into districts. On the eastern range, from north to south, stood the Temple complex on the Temple Mount; the Ophel; and the City of David. On the western range, the Upper City covered the highest area to the west and the southern slopes, with the Lower City on the lower southeast slopes. Bezetha was the northern New City.
Following is a list of notable structures that are or were originally depicted in the Holyland Model of Jerusalem. Some have been archaeologically confirmed, some not.