Pavement

Pavement in Scripture most notably refers to the stone-paved platform or judgment seat (Greek lithostroton, Latin Gabbatha) in Jerusalem where Pontius Pilate sat to pronounce judgment on Jesus (John 19:13). The Aramaic name Gabbatha means elevated place or ridge, while lithostroton (stone-pavement) describes its surface. Archaeologists have identified a large paved area associated with the Antonia Fortress as a candidate for this site.

The elaborate pavement of Solomon's temple court — described in 2 Chronicles 7:3 as the place where the congregation prostrated themselves as the glory of the Lord filled the temple — represents the grander use of the term in the Old Testament. Esther 1:6 describes the elaborate pavement of colored stones in the court of the Persian king's garden in Shushan: a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black marble. Archaeological excavations at Persepolis and Susa confirm the lavish stone-paving characteristic of Persian royal architecture.