By now his soldiers were consumed with hate and greed and even though they could clearly hear Titus calling to them at the top of his voice, they paid no attention. In the end the entire temple was burned to the ground. One story tells of the Roman soldiers returning to the ruins when the fires had died out and actually pulling apart the blocks of masonry which had made up the walls and foundations in order to get the gold which had run in between the stonework. As well as the contents of the city of Jerusalem undoubtedly everything within the temple was also looted. It should not be overlooked that this was an exceptionally bloody episode by any historical standard.
Accounts speak of over one million people being mercilessly slaughtered.
The treasure of Jerusalem was taken back to Rome in triumph where initially at least, the greater part of it would have been stored. Items of great artistic value may well have been preserved as part of the state treasure. As a commemoration of Titus and his conquest of Jerusalem an arch was built in Rome following his death. On one of the panels can be seen his troops carrying off the plunder from the temple. Clearly visible is the giant Menorah.