Second Temple Ritual Purity Complex Found Near Jerusalem's Temple Mount

Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved ritual purity complex dating back to the Second Temple period near the Triple Gate, an ancient southern entrance to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The discovery was announced on Monday, September 28, by professors Uzi Leibner and Orit Peleg-Barakat from the Hebrew University's Institute of Archaeology, who are leading the excavation.

The complex, constructed in the early 1st century CE, spans approximately 280 square meters. Its central feature is a large, plastered pool measuring about 12 by 9.5 meters, with steps descending from all four sides. Adjacent to this is a substantial stone structure containing four rooms, three of which served as public ritual immersion pools, known as mikvahs. One mikvah is exceptionally intact, retaining its stone vault and water supply shaft.

Researchers believe the monumental scale and location of the complex indicate it was built to serve the large numbers of Jewish pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. "This is an unprecedented find," stated Professors Leibner and Peleg-Barakat. "The nature of the complex directly addresses the core of our research on the archaeology of pilgrimage during the Second Temple period. Specifically, it sheds light on the planning of the area near the Temple Mount, how pilgrim flows were managed, and the rituals performed at the Temple entrance."

The pools and the large reservoir were connected to an extensive drainage system of channels, some preserved to a height of over two meters, which channeled water towards the Kidron River. The system's size suggests significant water volumes, likely supplied by a constant source, possibly an offshoot of the aqueduct that supplied water to the Temple Mount.

The complex ceased to exist in 70 CE with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Excavations revealed remnants of an even older ritual purity complex beneath the main structure, also featuring a large ritual pool and likely dating to the 1st century BCE.

The Triple Gate, named for its three arched openings, was part of the Hulda Gates system, used by pilgrims to ascend the Temple Mount. These gates are now sealed, with their outlines visible in the southern Temple Mount wall. The ascent to them was via a staircase from the Ophel area, south of the Temple Mount.