The 'promontory palace' in Caesarea Maritima and the Northern Palace at Masada: Architectural conceptions and sources of inspiration

Asher Ovadiah*, Rachel Peleg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two of Herod's palaces, the 'Promontory Palace' in Caesarea Maritima and the Northern Palace at Masada, are stepped architectural complexes, built on natural terraces, used for private and intimate purposes (except for the upper level in the 'Promontory Palace'). Both palaces are similar from the architectural-conceptual point of view. On the other hand, the planning and design of the 'Promontory Palace' recalls the Timonium or Timoneion in Alexandria, Egypt, and the Northern Palace probably reflects Hellenistic architectural conceptions and inspirations. Furthermore, these two monuments also reflect Herod's hubris, pretension, megalomaniac ambitions and personal taste.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)598-611
Number of pages14
JournalRevue Biblique
Issue number4
StatePublished - Oct 2009

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The 'promontory palace' in Caesarea Maritima and the Northern Palace at Masada: Architectural conceptions and sources of inspiration'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this