September 2 70 – 8 Elul 3830
Jerusalem
A month or so after the Second Temple was destroyed, the Romans completed their conquest of Jerusalem and razed the Upper City, located on the higher slopes of Mount Zion, today the Old City’s Jewish and Armenian Quarters. Overlooking both the ancient City of David and the Temple Mount, the Upper City housed Jerusalem’s aristocracy, particularly priestly dynasties. From Herod onward, splendid villas were built in this part of town, only to be demolished when the area was torched. One such residence, belonging to the priestly Katros family, has been converted into a tourist attraction known as the Burnt House. Excavation of the site has unearthed a ritual bath, a kitchen, stone vessels, and earthenware – plus a thick layer of soot.