Templum Hierosolymae

Templum Hierosolymae

Templum Hierosolymae, also known as the Temple of Jerusalem, refers to a series of religious structures built on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. The site has great historical and religious significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and has been the subject of numerous conflicts throughout history.

There were two main temples built on the Temple Mount:

Solomon's Temple (First Temple): According to the Hebrew Bible, the First Temple was built by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE. It was the centre of religious worship for the ancient Israelites and housed the Ark of the Covenant. The temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE during the conquest of Jerusalem.

Herod's Temple (Second Temple): After the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon, the Second Temple was constructed in the 6th century BCE. It was later significantly expanded by King Herod the Great in the 1st century BCE, earning it the name "Herod's Temple". This temple was the centre of Jewish worship until it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE during the Siege of Jerusalem.

Throughout history, other religious structures have been built on the Temple Mount, including the Islamic Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Due to the significance of the site in all three Abrahamic faiths, it has been a focal point for religious tensions and conflicts over the centuries.

The Temple Mount is currently under the jurisdiction of the Islamic Waqf, an Islamic religious trust that administers the site, although Israel maintains overall security control. Access to the site is limited, and non-Muslim prayer is not permitted on the Temple Mount, which has been a source of ongoing tension between different religious groups.

Symbol

The symbol for Templum Hierosolymae is the T over H, which as shown here morphs into the triple tau.

The Triple Tau is a symbol consisting of three T-shaped figures, often arranged to form a larger T shape or an equilateral triangle. It is a significant emblem in Freemasonry, particularly within the Royal Arch degree, which is part of the York Rite of Freemasonry.

The Triple Tau has various meanings and interpretations within Freemasonry. Some of the interpretations include:

The Three T's: The Triple Tau may represent the three words that start with the letter "T" in Latin: Templum Hierosolyma (Temple of Jerusalem) or Tres Theologicae (Three Theologies). This interpretation suggests a connection to the spiritual and religious aspects of Freemasonry.

The Trinity: The Triple Tau can also symbolise the Christian Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In this context, the symbol represents the unity of these three divine aspects.

Geometry: The symbol has a strong connection to the field of geometry, as the name "tau" is derived from the Greek letter "T", which in turn is associated with the idea of a "perfect square" or the Pythagorean theorem. In this sense, the Triple Tau is a reminder of the importance of geometry in the principles of Freemasonry.

Transition: The Triple Tau can also represent the transition from darkness to light, symbolising the spiritual journey that Freemasons undertake as they progress through the degrees and develop their understanding of the craft.

It is important to note that the Triple Tau, like many Masonic symbols, is open to individual interpretation, and its meaning may vary among different lodges and members. Overall, the Triple Tau is a symbol of unity, spirituality, and the pursuit of knowledge within the context of Freemasonry.