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The Burnt House is a magnificent building, revealed during the excavations of the Upper City. It was named The Burnt House due to its singular testimony to the destruction and burning of Jerusalem by the Romans in the first century. Archeologists believe that the house was burnt at the time of the conquest of the Upper City by the Romans on the 8th day of Ellul in 70 A.D., in the same fire that destroyed the Temple. The basement revealed in the excavations, preserved as it was on the day of its destruction, allows a unique visit to a Second Temple period home preserved virtually intact with all its artifacts. The home bears witness to the days of glory and terror experienced by the Jewish community during the rebellion against the Romans. One aspect of the find that is especially unique is the thick and concentrated burnt layer revealed at the basement level: Stones burnt by an intense fire, scorched wooden beams and layers of ash and soot that testify to the huge fire that raged here. The Burnt House is also known as Katros House because of the inscription “(d)bar katros” found engraved on one of the weights uncovered in the house. The Katros family is mentioned in the Talmud in a list of four families of Temple priests who abused their position. Apart from bearing witness to the actual day of destruction, the Burnt House also reveals details of the Jewish way of life prior to the destruction. Stone tables, basalt stone pestles, grindstones, ovens and other implements were found. Worthy of special mention are the stone weighing systems, the large jugs, bowls and measuring cups, indicating that this was a perfume production workshop. Katros House is situated 6 meters below the current street level. The modern Jewish Quarter was rebuilt above it. The basement level of the ancient house is today the basement of the new house built by descendants of the Jews that lived here 2000 years ago, effectively closing the circle. A multimedia display, reconstructing the life of the Katros family during the rebellion against the Romans, tells the story of the house and the last days of Jerusalem and the Temple from the residents' point of view. Hours are 9:00-4:00 (5:00 in the summer). Tickets 25 shekels for adults, 20 children (the scene at the end where the family is attacked might scare children) .Tel: 628-7211. Located on Tiferet Yisrael Street opposite Bonkers Bagels, on the way to the Kotel. Click on picture to read recent article on the Burnt House.
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