Hammeah, The Tower of

HAMMEAH, THE TOWER OF (Neh 3:1; Neh 12:39).—A tower on the walls of Jerus., near the tower of Hananel (wh. see), between the Sheep-gate on the east and the Fish-gate on the west. These two towers were probably situated near the N.E. corner of the city (cf. Jer 31:38, Zec 14:10). The origin of the name ‘tower of Hammeah,’ or ‘tower of the hundred’ (RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] ), is obscure. It has been suggested that the tower was 100 cubits high, or that it was approached by 100 steps, or that it required a garrison of 100 men.

ha-mē´a, ham´ē̇-a (המּאה, ha-mē’āh (Neh 3:1); the King James Version Meah): The origin of the name is obscure; in the margin the meaning is given “Tower of the hundred”; it has been suggested that it may have been 100 cubits high or had 100 steps. It was the most important point on the walls of Jerusalem in going West from the Sheep Gate, and is mentioned along with the T. of HANANEL (which see) (Neh 3:1), and was therefore near the Northeast corner, and probably stood where the Baris and Antonia afterward were, near the Northwest corner of the ḥaram where are today the Turkish barracks. See JERUSALEM.