Ancient Jewish Ritual Bath Unearthed Near Kiryat Gat

Archaeologists in Israel have discovered the ruins of a previously unknown Jewish settlement dating back to the Second Temple period near Kiryat Gat. The site, located in the Karmey Gat area, yielded a 2,000-year-old mikvah (ritual bath) and stone measuring vessels, which were used by Jews during that era as stone vessels were believed to retain ritual purity. Excavation leaders Elena Kogan-Zahavi, Maayan Margolis, and Shira Lifshitz stated that this is the first Jewish settlement found in this specific region, noting its location on the border between the Judean Lowlands and the Negev desert, an area that had many Jewish settlements during Roman rule but none situated on this particular frontier.

Archaeologists believe the settlement was abandoned during the Bar Kokhba revolt, which was suppressed by the Romans in 135 CE. A smaller settlement later emerged at the site during the Byzantine era, inhabited by a different population.

A significant engineering challenge arose during the excavation: the need to move a four-meter-tall, 25-ton mikvah to a restoration site in Beit Guvrin. This operation required two weeks of preparation, including clearing the area, inserting steel beams, and reinforcing the ancient structure with special foam materials to prevent damage during transport. A powerful crane capable of lifting up to 300 tons was employed, and the highway had to be closed to facilitate the mikvah's relocation.

Senior restorer Eyal Kaho, who has worked with the Israel Antiquities Authority for 36 years, described the operation as high-stakes, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning to avoid damaging the artifact. He admitted to losing sleep before the operation due to the immense responsibility. Following its restoration, the mikvah is slated to become the centerpiece of a new archaeological park in the Karmey Gat area.