Why did the Romans destroy the second temple of Solomon, never rebuilt of which only the wailing wall remains?

 The destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans is a historical event that took place in 70 CE. The Second Temple, also known as Herod's Temple, was the central religious and cultural institution for the Jewish people. The reasons for its destruction are multifaceted and involve a combination of political, military, and religious factors.

1. **Jewish Revolt (66–73 CE):** The destruction of the Second Temple was a culmination of the First Jewish-Roman War (also known as the Great Jewish Revolt) that began in 66 CE. The Jewish population in Judea revolted against Roman rule due to a variety of grievances, including heavy taxation, social unrest, and religious tensions.

2. **Siege of Jerusalem:** The Roman legions, led by the future Emperor Titus, laid siege to Jerusalem in 70 CE. The city faced intense internal conflicts as well, with different factions among the Jewish population vying for control.

3. **Sacrilege in the Temple:** During the siege, the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem and eventually entered the Temple complex. The historian Josephus Flavius, who witnessed the events, documented instances of sacrilege within the Temple, including the burning and looting of its treasures.

4. **Titus' Orders:** Titus, in command of the Roman forces, reportedly ordered the destruction of the Temple. The extent of the destruction was significant, and the Temple was set ablaze, resulting in the collapse of its structures.

5. **Symbolic Victory:** The destruction of the Temple was a devastating blow to the Jewish people. The Temple held immense religious and cultural significance, serving as the central place of worship and housing the Ark of the Covenant. The loss of the Temple was a symbolic victory for the Romans, asserting their dominance and quashing a major center of Jewish resistance.

6. **Outcome of the Revolt:** The destruction of the Temple marked the end of the First Jewish-Roman War, with the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The Arch of Titus in Rome commemorates the victory, depicting Roman soldiers carrying spoils from the Temple, including the menorah.

The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is a remnant of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount. It is the most significant surviving structure from the Second Temple period and has become a central site for Jewish prayers and lamentation.

The destruction of the Second Temple had profound and lasting effects on Judaism, leading to changes in religious practices and the development of alternative centers of worship and study. The event also influenced the formation of Jewish diaspora communities and their religious traditions.