File:2002 Schwartz.jpg

The Biblical Engineer: How the Temple in Jerusalem Was Built (2002) is a book by Max Schwartz.

Abstract

"The story of the Second Temple is long and complex. Built by the returning exiles from Babylon, extensively expanded by Herod, and destroyed by the Romans, its story involves science, history, politics, and geography. Who were the master builders who designed and constructed the Temple, and how did they accomplish their monumental job? Using classical and biblical sources, the author surveys architectural and engineering technology during this period. Almost 200 illustrations, maps, floor plans, and diagrams teach the reader about the tools and techniques available to Herod's engineers as well as the challenges they faced. The book pays close attention to historical developments. Background is given on the history of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, from Solomon's Temple to the Babylonian Exile and down to the splendor of King Herod. Finally, we see the revolt against Rome in 66 C.E., the long siege of Jerusalem, the breaching of the walls of Herod's Temple, and its eventual destruction."--

"The author, an engineer, has passionately pursued an understanding of the tools and techniques of the master builders and craftsmen who designed and constructed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. His narrative describes the historical, scientific, and political context of the construction and of the Temple, and his own drawings clearly illustrate how things were done."--

Editions

Published in Hoboken, NJ: Ktav Publishing House, 2002.

Table of contents

The biblical engineer -- The land and its natural resources -- Construction equipment and transportation -- Engineering, planning, and logistics -- Construction materials -- Building the Temple Mount -- Building Antonia Fortress and the porticos -- The Temple and courts -- The siege of Jerusalem.

External links

• [ Google Books]]