Bezetha

Bezetha, also sometimes spelled Beth-Zetha, was a hill or quarter located north of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. Its name likely derives from the Hebrew or Aramaic meaning "new town" or "new quarter."

Bezetha lay outside the third wall of Jerusalem, constructed by Herod Agrippa I in the mid-1st century CE. This wall was built to encompass the growing population that had expanded beyond the previously existing city limits. Prior to Agrippa's wall, Bezetha was situated outside the walled city.

Historical sources, particularly Josephus Flavius, mention Bezetha in the context of the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman legions under Titus in 70 CE. Josephus describes the strategic importance of Bezetha during the siege, highlighting its vulnerability due to its location outside the fortifications of the inner city. He notes that it was a key point of attack for the Romans.

The precise location of Bezetha remains somewhat uncertain, and various theories have been proposed by archaeologists and historians. However, the general consensus places it north of the Temple Mount and the more established areas of Jerusalem at the time.

The significance of Bezetha lies primarily in its role during the siege of Jerusalem and its contribution to understanding the growth and expansion of the city in the 1st century CE. Its mention in historical texts provides valuable insights into the urban landscape and fortifications of Jerusalem during a pivotal period.