Image Details

This section drawing cuts through the Temple Mount from west (left) to east (right) and shows the relative positions of Temple structures (green) and the Dome of the Rock and its platform (red). Es-Sakhra is the highest point of the Temple Mount, located at the center of the Dome of the Rock and in the innermost (and westernmost) room of the Temple, the Holy of Holies.

This most sacred enclosure was walled on the south, west and north sides; a veil hung over the opening on its eastern side. The Temple’s eastern orientation allowed the High Priest to look directly into the sanctuary while sprinkling the blood of the red heifer on the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley from the Temple.