The area of the sanctified Temple Mount was 500 square cubits. * At the end of the Second Temple period, King Herod expanded the Temple Mount area. Most of the open area of the Temple Mount is on its southern side, with slightly more construction in its east and more still in its north and western sides. The Temple Mount plaza was built on top of a series of arches built on top of each another. This manner of construction prevented any impurity buried underneath from rising to the surface. (Source:Tractate Midot 2:1).  Holiness
Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII