Cardo of Jerusalem
City:
Jerusalem
State, Province, Region, or District:
Jerusalem District
Country:
Israel
Overview
The Cardo was a central north–south oriented thoroughfare in Jerusalem duringthe Late Roman and Byzantine periods. Together with the east–west oriented Decumanus, it formed the principal axes of the city and reflected standard Roman urban planning principles. The term "Cardo" derives from the Latin word for "hinge," referring to role as the main north–south axis in Roman cities. The Cardo originated during the Late Roman period, beginning at the Damascus Gate it split into two main branches, with both running run to south.
The Cardo Maximus was the grand main street of Roman and Byzantine Jerusalem, running north to south through the heart of the city. Once lined with columns, shops, and markets, it was the bustling center of daily life almost 2,000 years ago.
The Cardo Minor was a smaller main street that ran north and south. It was located east of the Cardo Maximus and was closer to the Temple Mount. Today, ruins of it can be seen just inside the Tanners' Gate, which is just west of the Dung Gate.
Many of its ruins remain to this day and visitors can still walk along sections of the restored street in the Jewish Quarter, where ancient stones meet modern galleries and shops.
Alternate Names
Cardo; Cardo Maximus; HaKardo St
Geography & Location
The excavated part of Cardo Maximus Street is located in the Jewish Quarter of Old City Jerusalem, near the main Jewish Street. It has an open-air section, a small museum, and art and jewelry shops.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
The Cardo in Jerusalem, also known as the Cardo Maximus, was a central thoroughfare in the ancient city, reflecting the typical Roman city planning. The term "Cardo" itself is derived from the Latin word for "hinge," signifying its role as the main north–south axis in Roman cities. The Cardo in Jerusalem originated during the Roman period, beginning at the Damascus Gate in the north extending southwards and splitting in two branches, the western branch (Cardo Maximus) leading up to the modern day Jewish quarter, and the eastern branch (Cardo Minor) following the route of Ha-gay street towards the modern day Western Wall Plaza. The construction of the Cardo occurred when Jerusalem was known as Aelia Capitolina, following the Roman reconstruction of the city after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, and about a decade before the Bar Kokhba revolt.
Architecture
The Cardo Maximus, built by Emperor Hadrian and expanded by Justinian, was designed as a wide, columned avenue lined with a shaded arcade and shops. Today, you can walk through the restored Crusader Bazaar on the ancient stone flagstones.
Biblical & Historical References
Because the Cardo was built centuries after the biblical canon was closed, you won't find it mentioned by name in the text. However, historical and archaeological study of the Cardo illuminates several Bible references and geographical points:
Spiritual Lessons and Application
God sent Israel and Judah prophet after prophet over a period of around 400 years to warn them against their disobedience and rejection of Him. In 722 BC God raised up the Assyrians to conquer the northern part of Israel, and in 586 BC, God raised up the Babylonians to conquer the southern part of Israel (known as Judah). God was more than patient with them.
Etymology
"Cardo" is the Latin word for "hinge." Being the hinge the turning point of the doors, the word cardo would also be used to designate other “turning points”, like the North Pole of the sky, or the four cardinal directions (quattuor cardines orbis terrarum). Also "the principal line laid down in surveying land was called cardo",which is also applied to the first street of a city: the street around which the city would be structured.
Planning a Visit
Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.