Temple Mount, Jerusalem
Photo: Godot13, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Temple Mount, known in Arabic as Haram al-Sharif, is a sacred elevated platform in Jerusalem's Old City covering approximately 35 acres (14 hectares) and rising about 2,428 feet above sea level. Today visitors can see the golden Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque dominating the rectangular compound, which is surrounded by massive retaining walls including the famous Western Wall. The site contains layers of history spanning over 3,000 years, with evidence of successive temples, Byzantine churches, and Islamic structures built upon the same sacred ground. Archaeological restrictions due to the site's religious sensitivity mean much of its ancient history remains buried beneath the current surface.
Timeline
King David is believed to have conquered Jerusalem and established it as his capital
King Solomon reportedly constructs the First Temple on the mount
Babylonians destroy the First Temple during the siege of Jerusalem
Second Temple completed after return from Babylonian exile
Romans destroy the Second Temple during the First Jewish-Roman War
Dome of the Rock completed under Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik
What the Show Claims
- ›The Temple Mount represents a heavenly gateway connecting Earth to celestial realmsS03E03
- ›Ancient Astronaut theorists propose this sacred location may represent a point of contact between ancient humans and extraterrestrial visitorsS03E03
Theorist Takes
“Um, right soon after they were founded, they took possession of the Temple Mount, uh, in Jerusalem. And, uh, for the best part of 80 or 90 years, they devoted themselves to what looked like an archaeological expedition on the Temple Mount. And I'm pretty certain they were looking for the Ark of the Covenant.”
From the Transcripts
“right soon after they were founded, they took possession of the Temple Mount, uh, in Jerusalem. And, uh, for the best part of 80 or 90 years, they devoted themselves to what looked like an archaeological expedition on the Temple Mount.”
What Archaeology Says
Archaeological investigation of the Temple Mount faces unique challenges due to its status as one of the world's most contested religious sites. The compound is jointly administered by multiple religious authorities, severely limiting excavations and scientific study. What research has been conducted reveals clear evidence of human construction spanning millennia, with massive Herodian-era stones in the retaining walls and Byzantine-period architectural fragments.
The few archaeological projects that have taken place, including limited work by Israeli archaeologist Benjamin Mazar near the southern wall, have uncovered pottery, coins, and architectural elements consistent with the historical accounts of successive temples and structures. Underground cisterns and tunnels beneath the mount show sophisticated engineering typical of ancient Middle Eastern construction techniques.
While the scientific consensus firmly supports human origin for all structures on the Temple Mount, the site's archaeological potential remains largely untapped. Layers of history lie buried beneath the current Islamic structures, and ground-penetrating radar studies suggest significant architectural remains exist below the surface level.
The greatest archaeological mystery isn't supernatural origin, but rather the precise locations and layouts of the ancient Jewish temples, which remain subjects of scholarly debate due to limited access for systematic excavation.
Mysteries & Fun Facts
The Temple Mount platform is believed to contain over 300 underground cisterns and rooms
The Dome of the Rock's golden dome was originally made of lead and later covered in gold donated by various rulers
The site is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - making it one of the few places revered by all three Abrahamic faiths
Some of the massive foundation stones in the Western Wall weigh an estimated 500 tons each
Planning a Visit
The Temple Mount is generally accessible to non-Muslim visitors during specific hours, typically Sunday through Thursday mornings, though access rules change frequently and visitors should check current restrictions with local tourism authorities. Entry is through the Mughrabi Gate near the Western Wall, and modest dress is required for all visitors.
Jerusalem (site is within the Old City)
Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and heat, particularly during Jerusalem's mild spring and autumn months. Summer visits can be extremely hot with limited shade on the open platform.
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