You may know the Temple Mount as one of the holiest places on earth, but beyond the golden Dome and ancient stones lie secrets that even seasoned pilgrims might not know. Here are ten surprising, inspiring, and little-known facts about the most sacred hill in the world:

1. It’s Considered Holy by Over Half the World

The Temple Mount is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, representing more than half of humanity. It is traditionally identified as the site where Abraham was tested, where ancient Temples once stood, where Jesus walked and taught, and where Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven. No other location on earth carries such universal sacred significance.

2. It’s the Most Contested Real Estate on Earth

Few places on the planet have sparked as much emotion, devotion, and conflict as this mountaintop in Jerusalem. For thousands of years, empires, faiths, and rulers have sought to claim, defend, and sanctify it. Every stone tells a story of conquest, longing, and hope.

3. It’s Smaller Than You Might Think

Despite its massive importance, the Temple Mount covers just about 37 acres (150,000 square meters) — roughly the size of 28 football fields. Its impact, however, is far greater than its size.

4. It Contains Layers of 3,000 Years of History

The Temple Mount is a time capsule of civilizations: from First Temple worship to Second Temple grandeur, Roman occupation, Byzantine Christianity, early Islamic rule, Crusader battles, and Ottoman control — all embedded in the earth beneath one single hilltop.

5. It Was Once a Threshing Floor

Long before it became a holy site, the Temple Mount was a working threshing floor, according to the Bible, owned by Araunah the Jebusite and purchased by King David to halt a plague (2 Samuel 24). A place of judgment transformed into a place of mercy — the site’s spiritual legacy began long before the Temple was ever built.

6. The Temples Faced East for Profound Reasons

Both Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple were oriented to the east, facing the rising sun over the Mount of Olives. This alignment symbolized light, renewal, and hope — a divine order breaking through darkness. Many prophecies speak of a future return from the east, giving this orientation deep symbolic meaning.

7. No Excavations Allowed

Due to its intense religious sensitivity, official archaeological excavations are not permitted on the Temple Mount itself. That makes uncovering its past a complex and often miraculous endeavor. What we know comes from ancient texts, historical records, and rare instances when the soil has been disturbed.

8. Over 625,000 Artifacts Have Been Recovered

Although excavations on the mount itself are restricted, in 1999 an unauthorized construction project on the Temple Mount led to the removal and dumping of nearly 9,000 tons of soil, with no archaeological oversight.

What was nearly lost forever turned into an unprecedented opportunity: this displaced earth became the foundation of the Temple Mount Sifting Project, a groundbreaking effort to rescue and examine the hidden heritage buried within.

Now recognized as one of the largest archaeological rescue operations in the world, the project has uncovered over 625,000 artifacts, including pottery shards etched in ancient Hebrew, silver shekels, coins from the Second Temple period, Byzantine jewelry, Crusader relics, and even stones possibly once part of the Temple itself. All emerged from the sacred soil, offering tangible glimpses into the lives and faith of generations past.

9. You Can Actually Hold a Piece of the Temple Mount

Thanks to the Temple Mount Sifting Project, it’s now possible to own certified samples of this sacred soil — offering believers a rare, physical connection to Scripture and biblical history. Each sample is authenticated by the archaeologists who recovered it, providing a tangible link to 3,000 years of heritage and faith.

10. Its Legacy Is Still Being Written

Every day, new discoveries emerge from the ongoing sifting work. Volunteers from around the world continue to reveal artifacts, support the mission, and uncover new chapters in this sacred story. The Temple Mount’s secrets are far from fully revealed.

Be Part of the Story!

Temple Mount Soil isn’t just history. It’s an invitation to hold it, honor it, and pass it on.

A rare gift. A spiritual heirloom. A way to support and preserve biblical

heritage for generations to come.

Explore the collection and join the mission at TempleMountSoil.