Ancient Jewish Mysticism
Ancient Jewish Mysticism One of the things that appears in the Second Temple period is early Jewish mysticism, which is largely based on several passages in the Bible. The most…
Ancient Jewish Mysticism
Ancient Jewish Mysticism One of the things that appears in the Second Temple period is early Jewish mysticism, which is largely based on several passages in the Bible. The most…
The Three Esoteric Sciences
Ancient Triple Wisdom The fundamental esoteric teachings of the ancient world focused on three subjects: astrology, magic, and alchemy, and this appears in the name Hermes Trismegistus—the thrice-great in wisdom,…
Herod and the Romans
The Romans Are Coming The last great Hasmonean king was Alexander Jannaeus. He made an alliance with the Sadducees and killed Pharisees who tried to rebel against him. Alexander crucified…
Late Second Temple Period
The Essenes on Mount Zion In the 2nd century BCE a crisis erupted among the priestly circles in the Temple, with the termination of the high-priestly line of the sons…
King Herod’s Temple
Herod’s Vision for the Temple Herod wanted to build in Jerusalem a Temple that would amaze all who saw it—a world wonder that would stand alongside the other wonders of…
Aelia Capitolina
Aelia Capitolina in Jerusalem After the destruction of Jerusalem in the Great Revolt and leading up to the Bar Kokhba revolt, one of the greatest emperors and builders in Roman…
Crucifixion and Resurrection Mystery
Crucifixion and Resurrection Mystery Orthodox Christianity is characterized by a mystical, allegorical interpretation of the Christian story and a view of the various events as mysteries[1]. Without a doubt, the…
Early Christianity in Jerusalem
Christians in Aelia Capitolina After the destruction of the Temple during the Great Revolt, the city of Jerusalem was in ruins, but this probably did not prevent Jews and Christians…