Being that the story of Purim took place during a pause of the construction of Bayis Sheni, and construction was resumed by Cyrus (child of Esther and Achashverosh) it is understood that Purim was celebrated during the time of the second beis hamikdash. Was it celebrated like it is today? Was the...

There are certainly different explanations of where Haman found a massive beam of wood to construct his gallows, but what TYPE of wood was it? Pirkei D'Rabbi ELiezer here says it was taken from the Kodesh Hakodashim - maybe this helps in knowing what type of wood it was? Midrash Talpiyot mentions...

I've heard about a connection with the עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים being connected to שטות. Can anyone point me in the right direction? (Posibly from Toras Lubavitch)

The topic of dressing up on Purim has been discussed on the forum, but I am looking specifically for early sources that mention the custom. Please include specific sources - direct links are preferred.