Ancient 25-Ton Ritual Bath Lifted in Rare Engineering Feat

In a complex preservation operation, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) recently relocated a 2,000-year-old mikveh, or ritual bath, from the Second Temple period discovered in the city of Kiryat Gat. The mikveh, weighing approximately 25 tons, was carefully lifted and moved to state storage facilities to protect it from damage during ongoing development work in the new Karmey Gat neighborhood.

This ancient structure, measuring about 4 meters wide, was unearthed during an archaeological excavation funded by the Israel Land Authority at a cost of around 28 million shekels. The discovery provides significant evidence of a Jewish settlement in the area dating back two millennia. Alongside the mikveh, archaeologists found stone measuring cups, which were commonly used by Jews during the Second Temple era due to their adherence to Jewish law regarding ritual purity.

According to IAA excavation directors, the settlement is the first and only known Jewish settlement in this specific region, located at the junction of the Judean Foothills and the northern Negev. While Jewish settlements from the Roman period are known in the Judean Foothills, none had been identified in this transitional zone until now. The settlement appears to have been abandoned during the Bar Kokhba Revolt, with a new settlement emerging in the Byzantine period with a different population.

The relocation required a specialized engineering effort. IAA conservationists spent two weeks excavating around the mikveh and reinforcing its ancient plaster with gauze and adhesive materials to prevent damage during the lift. The entire structure was then braced with foam material. A massive 300-ton crane was needed to lift the 25-ton mikveh due to the distance from its original location. Its unusual width necessitated a special trailer for transport, requiring road closures and escort vehicles.

Eyal Kaho, a senior IAA conservator who led the operation, described the immense pressure and meticulous planning involved, emphasizing that any mistake could result in the irreversible loss of the artifact. Minister of Heritage, Rabbi Amihai Eliyahu, stated that the mikveh adds a crucial layer to understanding Jewish settlement in ancient Israel and highlighted the state's commitment to preserving heritage sites amidst rapid development. The mikveh is slated to be returned to the site and integrated into a public space in the new neighborhood once construction is complete, offering residents a tangible connection to their historical past.