Bible Dictionaries

Holman Bible Dictionary

Praetorium

(pray taw' ih uhn) The barracks where Jesus was taken and mocked by the soldiers before His crucifixion (Mark 15:16 ). Biblical references allow the building's location next to Herod's palace or beside the Temple complex. It appears that it was the official residence of the Roman governor, which would favor the palace location.

Herod's praetorium in Caesarea (Acts 23:35 NAS, RSV) served as the residence of the Roman govenor Felix. Paul's confidence that his imprisonment had publicized the Christian cause “in the whole praetorium” ( Philippians 1:13 ) can refer to the whole palace (KJV; NAS and RSV margins) or to the praetorian guard. See Praetorian Guard .