Abomination that Caused Desolation?

Pompey the Great entered the Holy of Holies in the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 63 BCE.

Historical Context

During the Roman intervention in the Hasmonean civil war (between Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II), Pompey besieged Jerusalem after Aristobulus II barricaded himself in the Temple complex. After a three-month siege, Roman forces breached the fortifications on the Sabbath (when Jewish defenders refrained from fighting). Pompey then personally entered the Temple.

The Entry into the Holy of Holies

Ancient sources confirm that Pompey proceeded into the innermost sanctuary (the Holy of Holies), which was off-limits to all except the High Priest, and only once a year on Yom Kippur:

• Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 14, Chapter 4): “Pompeius… went into the Temple… and into that sanctuary wherein it was unlawful for any but the high priests to enter.”
• Cassius Dio (Roman History, Book 37): Describes Pompey entering the Temple and inspecting its contents, noting he touched nothing but was curious about the forbidden inner chamber.
• Cicero (Pro Flacco, 28): References Pompey’s conquest and entry into the Temple as a symbol of Roman dominance.

Pompey reportedly did not plunder the sacred vessels or treasury (unlike later actions by Crassus in 54 BCE), but his entry was seen as a profound desecration by Jews, contributing to long-term resentment toward Rome.

This event marked the effective end of Judean independence and the beginning of direct Roman influence over the region.