Temple Floorplans

 

The inner area of the Temple complex in Jerusalem was separated from the so-called Court of Gentiles by a wall. On the walls were tablets with warnings that only Jews were allowed to enter, with the following inscription: No outsider shall enter the protective enclosure around the sanctuary. And whoever is caught will only have himself to blame for the ensuing death. 

Herod expanded twofold the area of the site on which the Jerusalem temple stood. He had the Temple Mount lavishly modernized and magnificently built up. Eight gates now led into the temple complex (no 1-8). The Antonia Fortress (B) where the Roman guardsman were stationed was located in the North of the Temple Mount.

Most of the life of the temple happened in the "Court of the Gentiles" (V). The Inner Wall (W) with the warning signs separated this common part from the inner sanctuary that was only accessible for Jews. The so called Nikanor Gate (N) connected the Court of the Women (F) with the Court of the Israelites (M). The so-called Gate Beautiful (S) was the entrance to the court of the women; the Incense burning altar (A) with it's ramp (R) stood in the front of the temple itself (T); Only priests are permitted in this area--Court of the Priests (the Holy Place)