Rock Scarp 1

View of a large portion of the rock scarp on the west portion of the northern wall of the Haram es–eshSharif.  The rock scarp formed the foundation of the Antonia Fortress where Roman troops were garrisoned to monitor activities in the Temple Area.

Above the bedrock is the Umariyya Boys' School—where the Antonia Fortress was actually located.  Carved into the rock are niches where beams were inserted that supported the roof of the portico in this area.

When Paul was accosted by an angry mob he was taken into custody by the Roman garrison located in the Antonia Fortress (Acts 22:27–23:22).

For a detailed discussion of this area by the expert Temple Mount investigator, Leen Ritmeyer, Click Here.  To view his forthcoming book on the Temple Mount Click Here.