Topical Encyclopedia Antonia refers to the Antonia Fortress, a significant structure in Jerusalem during the time of the New Testament. Named after Mark Antony by Herod the Great, the fortress was strategically positioned at the northwest corner of the Temple Mount. It served both as a military barracks and a stronghold, providing a vantage point over the Temple and the surrounding area. This location was crucial for maintaining order, especially during Jewish festivals when Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims.The Antonia Fortress is notably mentioned in the context of the Apostle Paul's arrest in the Book of Acts. In Acts 21:31-34 , it is recorded that when a riot broke out in the Temple, Roman soldiers intervened from the Antonia Fortress to quell the disturbance. The passage states: "While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman cohort received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Immediately he took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The commander came up and arrested him, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done." The fortress played a critical role in the Roman administration of Judea, serving as the residence of the Roman procurator when he was in Jerusalem. Its presence underscored the Roman authority over the Jewish people and was a constant reminder of their subjugation. The Antonia Fortress was connected to the Temple by a series of staircases, allowing Roman soldiers quick access to the Temple courts, as seen in the account of Paul's arrest. The structure itself was a marvel of Herodian architecture, featuring four towers, with the southeast tower being the tallest, providing a commanding view of the Temple area. The fortress was heavily fortified, reflecting Herod's intent to protect Roman interests and maintain control over the volatile region. In the broader biblical narrative, the Antonia Fortress symbolizes the tension between Roman authority and Jewish autonomy. It stands as a testament to the political and social dynamics of the period, illustrating the challenges faced by early Christians like Paul, who navigated a complex landscape of religious and imperial power. The Antonia Fortress, therefore, is not just a historical site but a significant element in the unfolding account of the early Church, highlighting the intersection of faith, politics, and power in the ancient world. Smith's Bible Dictionary Antonia(from Marc Antony) (a square stone fortress or castle adjoining the northwest corner of the temple area at Jerusalem. There was a tower at each corner. It was rebuilt by Herod the Great, and named by him from Marc Antony. From the stairs of this castle Paul addressed the multitude who had assaulted him (Acts 21:31-40) --ED.) ATS Bible Dictionary AntoniaA square fortress on the east side of Jerusalem, north of the temple area, with which it had a covered communication. There was a tower at each corner, and it was isolated by high walls and trenches. It was rebuilt by Herod the Great, and named after Mark Antony. Josephus often speaks of it. It was "the castle" from which soldiers came down to rescue Paul from the Jews in the temple; and from its stairs he addressed the multitude, Acts 21:31-40. Easton's Bible Dictionary A fortress in Jerusalem, at the north-west corner of the temple area. It is called "the castle" (Acts 21:34, 37). From the stairs of this castle Paul delivered his famous speech to the multitude in the area below (Acts 22:1-21). It was originally a place in which were kept the vestments of the high priest. Herod fortified it, and called it Antonia in honour of his friend Mark Antony. It was of great size, and commanded the temple. It was built on a plateau of rock, separated on the north from the hill Bezetha by a ditch about 30 feet deep and 165 feet wide. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANTONIAan-to'-ni-a. See JERUSALEM. Greek 304. anabathmos -- a going up, an ascent ... a step, a flight of steps Definition: a step, a flight of steps; the well-known stairs leading up from the temple to the tower of Antonia at Jerusalem. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/304.htm - 6k 3925. parembole -- to put in beside or between, interpose Library How Titus Gave Orders to Demolish the Tower of Antonia and Then ... That the Miseries Still Grew Worse; and How the Romans Made an ... Concerning Bernice's Petition to Florus, to Spare the Jews, but in ... Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off ... The Empress Theodora The Description of Jerusalem. A Description of the Temple. Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo. The Morning of Good Friday. How the Samaritans Made a Tumult and Pilate Destroyed Many of Them ... Thesaurus Antonia... Herod fortified it, and called it Antonia in honour of his friend Mark Antony. It was of great size, and commanded the temple. ...ANTONIA. ... /a/antonia.htm - 7k Gabbatha (1 Occurrence) Praetorium (8 Occurrences) Procurator Arrest (22 Occurrences) Trial (45 Occurrences) Antonius Antiquity (8 Occurrences) Quaternion Judgment (430 Occurrences) Resources What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened at the Pool of Bethesda? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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