THE SECOND PALACE, JERICHO

Reconstruction of Herod's Second Palace at Jericho

KEY TO RECONSTRUCTION

1. Reception Hall
2. Colonnaded court with domed alcove
3. Colonnaded court
4. Changing room - apodyterium
5. Warm rooms - tepidaria
6. Hot room - caldarium
7. Cold bath room - frigidarium
8. Service Area

Architecturally speaking, Herod was one of the most energetic builders in the ancient world. In the palaces at Jericho, he combined:

• elements from his Hasmonean predecessors
• classic design from eastern Mediterranean Hellenistic cities and buildings
• the best and latest in Roman technology and style

Herod built his palaces two miles to the south of the biblical city of Jericho, near the Wadi Qilt (the name comes originally from vallis cultus, or cultivated valley).

It is the only valley in Judea that has abundant spring water - something very much in its favor.

The Hasmoneans had already build a palace north of the Wadi. Herod restored the rather run-down old palace, then built his own palaces on the south side of the Wadi.

The valley was criss-crossed by bridges and aqueducts - the latter especially necessary for Herod, with his love of gardens and pools.

He also used the water from the aqueducts for his famous date and balsam plantations. These were vast - it took a whole day's journey to cross them from north to south.

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