Summary: Antonia was a fortress and military barracks built in Jerusalem by King Herod around 19 BC. It was named after Marcus Antonious, better known as Mark Antony, a powerful general under Julius Ceasar whose leadership helped to establish the Roman empire. It was here at Antonia, three days before the resurrection of Jesus Christthat the most famous public trial in human history took place. A trial far more significant than "Marbury vs. Madison," "Brown vs. Board of Education," or "Roe vs. Wade". This was the scene of the Passover Trial of Barabbas and Jesus. Barabbas was a notorious rebel and murderer. Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher and a miracle worker, who called Himself God. This very public trial famously ends with Barabbas being released and Jesus being scentenced to death by crucifixion. Barabbas was released not because they found him innocent of his crimes but because his crimes of murder and rebellion were less offensive and more tolerable than the crime of claiming to be God -- Give Us Barabbas!
