Great Reception Hall Detail

Great Reception Hall Detail

View looking south at the "Great Reception Hall" of Herod the Great's Third Palace at Jericho.  This hall measured 62 x 92 ft.

The large square depressions (with dry weeds in them) are where there were massive columns that supported the roof of the structure.  Also clearly visible are depressions where the flooring stones were impressed in the floor—an opus sectile pattern.  Compare the floor in the bath at Masada.

Notice the thickness of the wall on the left (east) side of the image.  The recently placed stones on the top of it clearly outline its size.