unknown4

In Ammian Marcellinus' History, book 23, chapter 1, he claims that Julian appointed someone to head the project of rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple, but "fearful balls of fire, bursting out again and again, near the foundation, rendered the place altogether inaccessible to the workmen, who were scorched by the flames. And since the very elements, as if by some fate, repelled the attempt, it was abandoned." Some early Christian authors also claimed that some miracle occurred at this time and place, although with possible "embellishment(s)". Without simply saying "this is a myth", does anyone have an explanation of this passage, if it's an interpolation, or if it is perhaps just something Ammian Marcellinus simply heard happened and accepted as fact? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.