Holyland Model of Jerusalem, Scale model at Israel Museum, Israel
The Holyland Model is a reconstruction of Jerusalem in 66 CE at a scale of 1:50, spread across 4,000 square meters (43,000 square feet) of outdoor space. The entire ancient city with its streets, squares, and buildings appears in miniature form to show how the city was organized and laid out.
Professor Michael Avi-Yonah created the model between 1962 and 1966 using historical documents and archaeological research. It shows Jerusalem as it stood before the Great Revolt against Rome, a conflict that would transform the city forever.
The model displays detailed replicas of the Second Temple, Herod's Palace, and numerous residential buildings that shaped Jerusalem's character in the first century. These structures reflect the daily life and religious importance the ancient city held for its inhabitants.
The model was moved to the Israel Museum in 2006 and had to be divided into 100 pieces for transport and reconstruction. Visitors can walk through the outdoor site to get a sense of how the ancient city was structured and arranged.
Each human figure in the model measures about 35 millimeters, giving visitors a scale reference for ancient architectural dimensions. These tiny details help viewers truly understand the proportions and human scale of the old city.
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