Bible Dictionary
Antonia
Antonia was a fortress adjoining the temple area in Jerusalem. Herod the Great rebuilt and named it for Mark Antony; from its steps Paul addressed the crowd after his arrest.
Definition
Antonia was a large fortress adjoining the northwest corner of the temple area in Jerusalem. Herod the Great rebuilt it and named it in honor of Mark Antony. It commanded the temple precincts and had towers at its corners.
Biblical Usage
The fortress is called “the castle” in Acts. After Paul’s arrest, he addressed the crowd from its stairs, explaining his testimony and ministry.
Historical Background
The fortress stood on a rocky plateau separated from Bezetha by a deep and broad ditch. It had originally been associated with the keeping of the high priest’s vestments before Herod fortified and renamed it.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A fortress in Jerusalem, at the north-west corner of the temple area. It is called “the castle” (Acts 21:34, 37). From the stairs of this castle Paul delivered his famous speech to the multitude in the area below (Acts 22:1-21). It was originally a place in which were kept the vestments of the high priest. Herod fortified it, and called it Antonia in honour of his friend Mark Antony. It was of great size, and commanded the temple. It was built on a plateau of rock, separated on the north from the hill Bezetha by a ditch about 30 feet deep and 165 feet wide.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(from Marc Antony) (a square stone fortress or castle adjoining the northwest corner of the temple area at Jerusalem. There was a tower at each corner. It was rebuilt by Herod the Great, and named by him from Marc Antony. From the stairs of this castle Paul addressed the multitude who had assaulted him (Acts 21:31-40)—ED.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>an-to'-ni-a. See JERUSALEM.</p>