Restored Jerusalem Biblical Temple Tiles to be Shown at the City of David Archaeological Conference

Using original fragments, the designs of the Second Temple floor have been reconstructed by archaeologists in Jerusalem. The tiles are set to be shown on Thursday, which will be the 17th Annual City of David Archaeological Conference.

BBC reported that experts reassembled the tiles, which were found in the Temple Mount or Haram al-Sharif. The former is the site name known to Jews while the latter is known to Muslims. It is the third holiest site in Islam and the place where they believe Prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven.

It was reported that the tiles existed during the period of the Second Temple around 2,000years ago. That was likewise during King Herod's time. During a Jewish rebellion in 70 AD, the Romans reportedly destroyed the temple. In 2004, archaeologists started examining the debris from the hilltop site where 600 segments of colored stone were found.

Moreover, according to Haaretz, the tiles indeed seemed consistent with the Second Temple period's style. With them were relics found in other Herodian monuments including his palaces at Jericho and Masada. The palaces are found in Italy and dated to the same period.

According to experts, they assembled seven designs that could potentially show show how the flooring could have appeared like. But for numerous archeologists, the fragments may lack authenticity because they were not found in situ.

Nevertheless, project co-director Dr. Gabriel Barkay believed that "this represents the first time that we can see with our own eyes the splendor of the flooring that decorated the Second Temple and its annexes 2,000 years ago." He added what the Talmud says that "whoever has not seen Herod's building has not seen a beautiful building in his life". He stressed that although people at present time did not have the opportunity to see the Temple in its glory, the discovery and restoration of the tiles can bring a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the Second Temple.