The Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif

This chapter reviews all major excavations and surveys carried out on, near, and under the Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif platform, originally built by King Herod (1st century BCE) to support the Second Jewish Temple and transformed into one of Islam’s most important sanctuaries during the Umayyad period (7th century). It evaluates both scholarly assumptions and political claims made in connection with this architectural complex and its associated monuments. Excavations and surveys of the site and its surroundings have led to turmoil, political tension, and physical violence. The opening of the Western Wall tunnels in 1996 brought about armed confrontations between Palestinians and Israelis, resulting in more than 100 casualties. Various other initiatives of the IAA, including excavation and restoration projects bordering the southwestern corner of the platform, have been perceived as an attempt to undermine the Muslim compound politically, religiously, and structurally. Local demonstrations, regional protests, and international condemnations as well as UNESCO’s attempts to halt those activities have been largely ineffective and archaeological investigations have proceeded without apparent delays.