RECONSTRUCTION - ANCIENT HOUSE

The reconstructed house of an affluent citizen in Jerusalem

This reconstructed house, modeled on excavated ruins in Jerusalem, shows the sort of house that Zacchaeus might have lived in - and Jesus visited (Luke 19:1-10). Notice that, unlike Roman houses, this one has a double-entrance mikveh at the rear, for the ritual washing that was part of Jewish practice.

The house is large and impressive. Zacchaeus was a prosperous citizen, and would not have have shied away from showing his wealth.

To most people he is just a peripheral character in one of the gospel stories, but in his own city he was a big man - if not a popular one.

Judea had to pay large sums of money to Rome, so the collection of taxes was thoroughly organised, as you might expect of any Roman undertaking.

Taxes were based on a general census of the entire population, in which every person had to give details of their personal status and property. There was a tax levied on the land, and a poll tax as well. The Roman authorities also imposed heavy customs duties at the borders of the various territories within Judaea.

Zacchaeus was the chief customs collector stationed in Jericho, on the border between Peraea and Judea. He was notorious for his wealth, and seen as a virtual criminal. Most people were hostile and contemptuous of him.

                                 Jesus was not.

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