Engraved Roman Architectural Fragment (1st Cent. BCE – 1st Cent. CE)

A fragment from an elaborate stone façade, pehapds a frieze, of the Early Roman Period adorned with patterns of Herodian style acanthus leaves carved in relief. The object originated from one of the Herodian structures on the Temple Mount, perhaps from the Temple itself.

The stone fragment exhibits conflagration marks, similar to other stone fragments found in excavations south of the Temple Mount, and associated with architectural members that were shattered as the result of the intense fire that destroyed the Temple.