The Burnt House and Herodian Mansions.

On the eve of the destruction of the Temple the Jews were torn apart by internal struggles; rich against poor, Sadducees against Pharisees, Zealots against the peace faction.  On the 8th of Elul, a month after they burned the Temple, the Romans set fire to the upper city.  Some of the wealthiest families and priests had homes on the slope of the Western Hill with a wonderful view of the Temple.  Their power and position did not save them from the disaster that was to come. We'll visit their houses and learn about their lifestyles and the strife that led to their downfall.