the Burnt House, Jerusalem

In Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter of the Old City, the Burnt House Museum vividly illustrates the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE. The exhibit includes the excavated remains of the home of a priestly family in the once upscale Upper City area near the Temple Mount and displays of artefacts found in the house. Among the items found are the arm bones of a young woman, a spear, stone jugs, bowls, plates, and oil lamps. Layers of ash and burned wooden beams and stones indicate the house was destroyed in an intense fire.

the Burnt House Museum, photo courtesy of our friend Larry Bell

the Burnt House Museum, Jerusalem, photo courtesy of our friend Larry Bell

the Burnt House Museum, Jerusalem, photo courtesy of our friend Larry Bell

An inscription on a stone weight found in the house seems to identify the occupants as the Kathros family, a family of ill repute, chastised in the Talmud for abuse of power.

A film at the site gives a good overview of the political context of the destruction of Jerusalem and a moving account of the final hours of its citizens.

Our Magnificent Israel tour includes a visit to the Burnt House.