Eager to
extend the memory of his reign by great works, [Julian] planned
at vast cost to restore the once splendid temple at Jerusalem,
which after many mortal combats during the siege by Vespasian
and later by Titus had barely been stormed. He had entrusted
the speedy performance of this work to Alypius of AntiochÉ But though this Alypius pushed the work
on with vigor,
aided by the governor of the province, terrifying balls of flame
kept bursting forth near the foundations of the temple and made the
place inaccessible to the workmen, some of whom were
burned to death; and since in this way the element persistently
repelled them, the enterprise halted.
(Ammianus Marcellinus)