Ecce Homo Ecce Homo Convent From the terraces... From the terraces... view over the Old City
 
Lithostrotos
 

The Lithostrotos (Greek word meaning pavement)The Lithostrotos - Greek word meaning pavement

The site of the Ecce Homo Convent contains important remains from Roman times. Since the Crusaders, Christian tradition has placed the beginning of the Via Dolorosa in this area. Here we recall Christ's suffering at the hands of the Roman soldiers and his trial by Pontus Pilate. The name "Ecce Homo" refers to John 19:5

"Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them: "Behold the Man".

Current archaeological studies lead us to believe that the Convent is built just north of the Antonia Fortress. This fortress, built on a rock platform surrounded with a moat, from the north, as well enabling the Roman soldiers to control the Temple area. The following are among the best preserved remains in the country.
The cistern
 

A canal constructed at the time of the Hasmoneans (2nd century BCE) provided water to the Temple Mount cisterns.
Herod destroyed part of the canal when he built a moat around the Fortress Antonia. This pool was later vaulted over and turned into a cistern by Hadrian (2nd century CE).
A large portion of the Convent was constructed above the remains of the cistern.
 
The roman pavement
 

The roman pavementThese large flat stones were laid by Hadrain above the vault of the cistern. It served as a plaza and marketplace to Aelia Capitolina, the name that Hadrian gave to his new city, built in 135 CE on the ruins of Jerusalem ( which was destroyed by Titus in 70 CE). This pavement was made from the large courtyard stones of the Antonia which was destroyed in 70 CE.
The arch
 

Hadrain erected a triple arch as a gate to the plaza. The largest of these arches is known as the 'Ecce Homo Arch'. It spans the Via Dolorosa and continues into the Basilica where the smaller northern section can be seen.

For many centuries pilgrims have come to the Holy Land, nourishing and strengthening their faith as they walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Prayer and contemplation of these mysteries of His Life, of His Passion and of His Resurrection have made holy these places where the mysteries are recalled. It is our prayer, that for all those who travel to the Holy Land, the Word of Scripture may come alive in them and remain a spring of living water.

"As the deer that yearns for flowing streams, so my soul is longing for you, my God. My soul; is thirsting for God, the living God. When shall I come and see, the face of God."
Pslam 42
 
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