pet
near the western entrance, supported by the sides of Pilate's
Praetorium, which formed a species of porch between it and the square.
That part of Pilate's palace which he made use of when acting in the
capacity of judge, was called the Praetorium. A number of columns
surrounded the parapet of which we have just spoken, and in the centre
was an uncovered portion, containing an underground part, where the two
thieves condemned to be crucified with our Lord were confined, and this
part was filled with Roman soldiers. The pillar upon which our Lord was
scourged was placed on the forum itself, not far from this parapet and
the colonnade. There were many other columns in this place; those
nearest to the palace were made use of for the infliction of various
corporal punishments, and the others served as posts to which were
fastened the beasts brought for sale. Upon the forum itself, opposite
this building, was a platform filled with seats made of stone; and from
this platform, which was called Gabbatha, Pilate was accustomed to
pronounce sentence on great criminals. The marble staircase ascended by
persons going to the governor's palace led likewise to an uncovered
terrace, and it was from this terrace that Pilate gave audience to the
priests and Pharisees, when they brought forward their accusations
against Jesus. They all stood before him in the forum, and refused to
advance further than the stone seats before mentioned. A person
speaking in a loud tone of voice from the terrace could be easily heard
by those in the forum.

Behind Pilate's palace there were many other terraces, and likewise
gardens, and a country house. The gardens were between the palace of
the governor and the dwelling of his wife, Claudia Procles. A large
moat separated these buildings from the mountain on which the Temple
stood, and on this side might be seen the houses inhabited by those who
served in the Temple. The palace of Herod the elder was placed on the
eastern side of Pilate's palace; and it was in its inner court that
numbers of the Innocents were massacred. At present the appearance of
these two buildings is a little altered, as their entrances are
changed. Four of the principal streets commenced at this part of the
town, and ran in a southerly direction, three leading to the forum and
Pilate's palace, and the fourth to the gate through which persons
passed on their way to Bethsur. The beautiful house which belonged to
Lazarus, and likewi