Reconstructed tomb of Herod at Herodion site (archives)
Photo courtesy of Prime Minister's Office
Israel to open exhibit on King Herod
National museum preparing exhibition on Jewish ruler under Roman occupation two millennia ago. Palestinians object to display of artifacts from West Bank sites, say international law violated
Israel's
national museum is preparing an exhibition on King Herod, the Jewish ruler under Roman occupation two millennia ago.
Lavish Lifestyle
Associated Press
Archaeologists excavate lavish, private room in 400-seat facility at king's winter palace in Judean desert. Hebrew University: Further evidence of Herod's famed taste for extravagance
The display, billed as the world's first on Herod, includes a reconstructed tomb and sarcophagus of Herod, known for huge building projects, including the biblical Jewish Second Temple in Jerusalem.
The exhibit features about 30 tons of findings from his lavish palaces.
Israel Museum director James Snyder said Tuesday it's the museum's largest and most expensive archaeological project to date. The exhibit opens February 12.
Palestinians object to the exhibit because it displays artifacts from West Bank sites. Archaeology official Hamdan Taha says the project was not coordinated with the Palestinians and violates international law.
The museum says it will return the antiquities after the exhibit closes in nine months.
