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Roman and Byzantine periods
  • A stone block bearing an inscription quoting Isaiah 66: 14, was found next to Robinson's arch in the Western Wall. Photo: Bracha Reich
    A stone block bearing an inscription quoting Isaiah 66: 14, was found next to Robinson's arch in the Western Wall. Photo: Bracha Reich
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Roman and Byzantine periods

Julian “the Apostate” Seeks to Rebuild the Temple

In 361 CE, Julian ascended the throne of the Byzantine Empire. He rebelled against the Church authorities (and was therefore called “the apostate” by Christians), and sought to restore idol worship. Julian treated the Jews kindly and attempted to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, but the project ceased when he was killed in battle.

In the picture: An inscription discovered on one of the stones of the Western Wall quotes, with a few differences, Isaiah 66:14. The inscription reads: “You shall see, and your hearts shall rejoice and their bones shall... like grass. Some scholars believe that the inscription was engraved by a Jew, moved by hearing of the emperor’s plans to rebuild the Temple.