The Origin of the Cedar Beams from Al-Aqsa Mosque: Botanical, Historical and Archaeological Evidence

Abstract

The origin of cedar beams from the roof of al-Aqsa mosque was studied. Included are anatomical, ecological, historical, archaeological and radiological evidence. The conclusion is that these cedar beams originated in the remnants of Hadrian's imperial forests in Lebanon, which still existed in the Byzantine period. A new interpretation of the results of the dendrochronological study of these beams is suggested. The new interpretation suggests that alternating periods of forest protection and logging operations, rather than climatic changes, caused abrupt changes in the width of growth rings.