Temple Mount Jerusalem Facts & Worksheets

The Temple Mount, also known as Haram al-Sharif in Arabic, is a religious site located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It holds immense significance for three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

See the fact file below for more information about the Temple Mount, or you can download our 27-page Temple Mount worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

LOCATION

• The Temple Mount, one of the world’s most historically significant religious sites, is located in Jerusalem’s Old City on a high hill in the city’s southeastern quadrant and is extremely spiritually and culturally consequential to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. 
• The Temple Mount is home to two of Jerusalem’s most recognizable structures: the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. 
• The Dome of the Rock, with its magnificent golden dome, is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Jerusalem.
• It houses the Foundation Stone, which is believed to represent the location where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven according to Islamic legend. 
• The Al-Aqsa Mosque, a vast compound, is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.
• Furthermore, the Temple Mount has deep historical significance for Jews because it is believed to have been the site of the First and Second Temples in ancient times. 
• The Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) is a remnant of the retaining wall of the Second Temple and is a place of intense prayer and pilgrimage for Jews.

HISTORY

• The Temple Mount, a place of deep religious and cultural significance, has a millennia-long history that embodies the connected narratives of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. 
• The First Temple, erected by King Solomon in approximately 957 BCE, stood atop the Mount as a center of Jewish devotion in ancient times. 
• During 587 BCE, the Temple Mount was destroyed by the Babylonians and was reconstructed as the Second Temple, but then destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The destruction of the Second Temple was a watershed episode in Jewish history, ushering in a time of exile and dispersion.
• On the other hand, according to Islamic history, the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey led him to the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, which connects to the Dome of the Rock, built between 687 and 691 CE. 
• This golden-domed monument houses the Foundation Stone and is considered one of Islam’s holiest places. The site was maintained and extended by the Umayyad and later Islamic monarchs, who turned it into a place of prayer.
• Because of its shared religious significance and central location in Jerusalem, the Temple Mount has remained a source of dispute for centuries. Various civilizations and ruling forces claimed sovereignty of the site, including the Byzantines, Crusaders, and Ottomans. 
• During the British Mandate period in the early twentieth century, tensions between Jewish and Arab communities rose, exacerbated by opposing claims to the Temple Mount.

RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE – JEWISH

• The Temple Mount is the holiest site for Jews and is historically associated with the First and Second Temples. It is believed to be the location where God’s presence dwelled on Earth and where significant biblical events occurred. 
• On Tisha B’Av, Jews mourn the loss of the Temples and pray for their reconstruction, representing their link to their historic past and the spiritual core of Jerusalem.

RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE – CHRISTIANITY

• In Christianity, the Temple Mount is significant because it is where Jesus Christ interacted with religious leaders, taught in the Second Temple area, and participated in pivotal events during his mission. His cleansing of the Temple is detailed in the New Testament, adding to the site’s significance in Christian history. 
• Furthermore, certain Christian traditions identify the Temple Mount with fundamental biblical events such as Abraham‘s binding of Isaac. The complex’s proximity to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to house Christ’s tomb, adds to its overall spiritual significance.

RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE – ISLAM

• For Muslims, the Temple Mount is a central place of worship. Both the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are located on the Mount and are regarded as among Islam’s holiest sites. 
• Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey led him from Mecca to Al-Aqsa Mosque and then to the skies, with the Dome of the Rock as the point of departure. 
• In addition, the Prophet Muhammad was said to have begun his journey at the Foundation Stone within the Dome of the Rock. As a result, the Temple Mount is more than just a place of worship; it is also a symbol of Jerusalem’s spiritual importance in Islamic history.

ARCHEOLOGICAL STUDIES

• Because of the Temple Mount’s tremendous religious and historical significance, archaeological studies of the site have been fascinating and contentious.
• Archaeological study on the Temple Mount is a difficult task because of its significance as a holy place for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as its location in the center of Jerusalem’s Old City. 
• Limited excavations have been conducted over the years, often under rigorous constraints and international inspection to prevent disturbing the structures and religious traditions on the Mount.
• Archaeological discoveries on the Temple Mount have shed light on its history. In the 1960s, excavations headed by Israeli archaeologist Benjamin Mazar found parts of the Herodian Temple platform, including large retaining walls known as the Western Wall or Wailing Wall, which has since become a place of Jewish prayer and devotion. 
• Despite these obstacles, developments in non-invasive archaeological techniques such as ground-penetrating radar and sophisticated imaging have revealed insights into the Temple Mount framework and history without causing any disruption to the current structures. 
• These techniques have exposed hidden architectural details and provided peeks into the site’s historical layers.

THE TEMPLE MOUNT TODAY

• Today, the Temple Mount is a place of tremendous religious worship, historical significance, and political complexity. The Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are the principal places of worship for Muslims in the area. 
• The Western Wall, an exposed fragment of the Second Temple’s retaining wall, is a leading destination of Jewish prayer and pilgrimage. The Temple Mount’s status as a contested religious and political place is emphasized by its location in the center of Jerusalem’s Old City, which has long been a source of contention between Israelis and Palestinians.
• Meanwhile, the site is managed jointly by the Israeli government and the Islamic Waqf administration, which oversees the day-to-day operations of Muslim sacred sites. This system is frequently fraught with conflict as political disagreements intersect with religious goals. 
• Despite its rich history and value, archaeological and construction activities on the Temple Mount are strictly controlled due to the delicate nature of the site to balance preservation and religious freedom.
• The complex and diversified significance of the Temple Mount underscores the ongoing problems of peaceful coexistence in an area defined by clashing religious narratives and political disagreements. Its lasting importance highlights its status as a spiritual, cultural, and geopolitical crossroads.

Temple Mount Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Temple Mount across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Temple Mount. Temple Mount holds immense significance for three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Temple Mount, Jerusalem Facts
2. Temple Mount Timeline 
3. Faithful Value
4. Faithful Respect
5. Temple Sites- Dome of the Rock
6. Temple Sites – Al-Aqsa Mosque
7. Temple Sites – Wailing Wall
8. Temple Sites – Hurva Synagogue
9. Temple Sites – Dome of the Ascension
10. Temple Sites – Islamic Museum
11. Local Holy Site

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Temple Mount?

Temple Mount, also known as Haram al-Sharif in Islam, is a religious and historical site located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is one of the most sacred places in the world for both Jews and Muslims. For Jews, it is the holiest site, believed to be the location of the First and Second Temples. For Muslims, it is the third holiest site, housing the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

What is the significance of the Temple Mount in Jewish history?

Temple Mount holds immense significance in Jewish history as it is believed to be the site where both the First Temple, built by King Solomon, and the Second Temple, rebuilt after the Babylonian exile, once stood. These temples were central to Jewish religious practices and were destroyed, with the Second Temple’s destruction in 70 CE marking a significant event in Jewish history. Many Jews today pray facing the Temple Mount and hope for the eventual rebuilding of the Third Temple.

What is the significance of the Temple Mount in Islamic history?

In Islamic tradition, the Temple Mount is revered as the location where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens during the Night Journey. The Dome of the Rock, built in the 7th century, is believed to mark the spot where the Prophet Muhammad ascended. Additionally, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, adjacent to the Dome of the Rock, is one of the earliest mosques in Islam and holds great religious importance for Muslims.

What is the current status of Temple Mount?

Temple Mount remains a site of religious and political tension. It is administered by the Islamic Waqf, a religious trust that oversees the Muslim holy sites on the mount, under the authority of the Kingdom of Jordan. Israel maintains overall security control of the area. Access to the Temple Mount is a contentious issue, with restrictions and occasional clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces.

Are there any restrictions on visiting Temple Mount?

Yes, there are restrictions on visiting Temple Mount. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed to enter the site, but there are specific rules and regulations in place. Visitors are not allowed to enter the mosques, must dress modestly, and may face restrictions on the days and hours they can visit. Additionally, political tensions in the region can lead to temporary closures or restrictions on access for non-Muslims. It’s advisable to check the latest guidelines and security conditions before planning a visit.

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