Ancient Ritual Bath Complex Uncovered Near Jerusalem's Temple Mount

Archaeologists have unearthed a monumental ritual purification complex dating back approximately 2,000 years, located in the Ophel area at the foot of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The expansive site, covering about 280 square meters, features three large public mikvahs (ritual baths), a plastered pool, and an integrated water and drainage system.

One of the mikvahs is remarkably preserved to a height of 4.2 meters, including a rare vaulted stone ceiling, a significant find for Jerusalem. Its proximity to the "Triple Gate" on the southern wall of the Temple Mount strongly suggests it was used by the tens of thousands of pilgrims who needed to undergo ritual purification before entering the sacred compound.

"The uncovering of a monumental hewn-stone structure dedicated entirely to purification, located at the foot of the Temple Mount and near one of its gates, is an unprecedented discovery," stated the excavation directors, Professors Uzi Leibner and Orit Peleg-Barakat from the Hebrew University.

The site also yielded dozens of coins from the Great Revolt period, providing dramatic evidence of its destruction in 70 CE. The discovery is the result of five excavation seasons conducted by the Hebrew University in collaboration with the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology, funded by the Israel Science Foundation and the Hartog Center for the Archaeology of Jerusalem.

The Ophel area is part of the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and is managed by the East Jerusalem Development Company.