No temple was destroyed at the exact time of Jesus' death.
While significant events occurred in Jerusalem around the time of Jesus' crucifixion, including the tearing of the temple curtain, the physical destruction of the temple did not happen then. The prominent Jewish temple in Jerusalem during that period, known as the Second Temple or Herod's Temple, was destroyed several decades later.
The Fate of the Second Temple
The Second Temple stood for centuries and underwent significant renovations and expansions under Herod the Great, becoming a magnificent structure. However, its destruction was a catastrophic event that occurred long after Jesus' earthly life.
Key Details of the Second Temple's Destruction:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Second Temple (also known as Herod's Temple) |
| Original Completion | c. 516 BCE |
| Herodian Completion | c. 18 CE (major renovations) |
| Destruction Date | 70 CE |
| Cause of Destruction | Roman siege (during the First Jewish–Roman War) |
| Maximum Height | c. 46 metres (151 ft) |
This destruction in 70 CE by the Roman Empire marked a profound and permanent shift in Jewish history, leading to the end of the sacrificial system centered in Jerusalem. The temple's demise occurred nearly 40 years after the generally accepted timeline of Jesus' death, which is placed around 30-33 CE. Therefore, while it was the central place of worship during Jesus' life, it was not destroyed concurrently with his death.
