Praetorium in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

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What is the Praetorium?
PRAETO'RIUM
The headquarters of the Roman governors; in Scripture three such places are mentioned. 1. At Jerusalem. Mark 15:16. The same Greek word is rendered "common hall" and, margin, "governor's house," Matt 27:27; "hall of judgment" and "judgment-hall." John 18:28, 1 Sam 15:33; 1 Kgs 19:9. It occupied a vast rectangular space and contained barracks for the soldiers by whom Jerusalem was kept in subjection. This praetorium communicated with the temple, which was situated on the eastern hill, by a causeway crossing the Tyropoeon valley. It was in this praetorium that Jesus was tried before Pilate. Some, however, would identify the praetorium with the fortress Antonia, at the northwest corner of the temple-area. See Lange on Matt 27:27. 2. At Caesarea, Acts 23:35; translated "Herod's judgment-hall." This was the gorgeous palace in which Herod the Great resided during his latter days. It probably stood on the commanding eminence near the middle of the city. There Paul was kept a prisoner for two years. 3. At Rome, Phil 1:13; translated "palace," and in the margin "Caesar's court." This has been interpreted - (1) As in the A.V., "the palace" - i.e. the palace of the Caesars, on the Mount Palatine, which was garrisoned by a body-guard of soldiers called Praetorians. (2) As the general camp of the Praetorian guard, situated just without the city walls, before reaching the fourth milestone. It was established by the emperor Tiberius.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'praetorium' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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