Archaeologists Unearth Intact 2,000-Year-Old Jewish Ritual Bath in Israel

Archaeologists in Israel have discovered a remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old Jewish ritual bath, known as a mikveh, weighing approximately 25 tons. The Israel Antiquities Authority announced the find on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The rare artifact was unearthed during salvage excavations conducted ahead of a major construction project in the Kiryat Gat area.

Experts believe the mikveh dates back to the Second Temple period and is in excellent condition, allowing for detailed study of its architectural features. The scale and intact preservation of the 25-ton structure are noted as significant engineering achievements for its time.

This discovery holds considerable historical importance, according to the Antiquities Authority. It suggests the existence of a previously unknown Jewish settlement in the region between the Judean lowlands and the northern Negev, an area where substantial Jewish presence from that period had not been previously documented.

Researchers are hopeful that ongoing excavations at the Kiryat Gat site will yield further artifacts and residential structures. Such findings could help create a more accurate map of ancient settlements and shed light on the economic activities of the community that inhabited the area two millennia ago. Excavation and study of the ritual bath are continuing.