Ariel – Center for Jerusalem in the First Temple Period

Overview

Re-live the history of the First Temple era in the Ariel Center for Jerusalem  (Yad Ben-Zvi) in the First Temple Period through three exhibitions in the museum. In the first exhibit, see a scale model of Jerusalem towards the end of the First Temple period and adjacent to the model is a modern animated film, “The Spirit of Jerusalem,” about an artist who meets historical personalities from the era.

The second exhibit displays artifacts depicting everyday life in the First Temple era including 7th-8th century inscriptions and archaeological reproductions such as “Sennacherib’s Sawmill,” “Siloam’s inscription” (one of the oldest of it’s kind, found in the Hezekiah tunnel), a silver plaque with the Priestly blessing, a burial cave and jewelry.  In the third exhibit, “Bird in a Cage,” learn about the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem through Assyrian relief maps, Bible verses and archaeological finds, such as a restored portion of Hezekiah’s tunnel.

Tour the museum with a guide and participate in one of the interactive programs such as the development of Hebrew script; burials and tombs in Jerusalem; ancient diplomacy – letters and seals; or ancient military practices and strategies. Call ahead to reserve.