Ancient Water Channel From Second Temple Era Discovered South of Jerusalem
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Archaeologists have uncovered a 300-meter section of an ancient aqueduct, dating back to the Hasmonean period, south of Jerusalem. This sophisticated engineering marvel, which supplied water to the city for centuries, will be preserved and integrated into a new neighborhood. The discovery highlights the continuous efforts to maintain Jerusalem's water supply throughout history and is seen as a significant connection to the city's rich past.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A 300-meter section of an ancient aqueduct from the Hasmonean period was discovered south of Jerusalem.
- The aqueduct, built to supply water to Jerusalem, was an impressive engineering feat using gravity flow.
- The unearthed section shows modifications made over centuries, including the addition of a clay pipe in the Ottoman period.
- The aqueduct will be preserved and integrated into the entrance of a new neighborhood being built in the area.
- Archaeologists and officials highlighted the aqueduct's historical significance and engineering ingenuity.
- The IAA hopes to create a continuous park along the aqueduct from southern Jerusalem to the Old City.
A 300-meter section of Jerusalem's lower aqueduct, attributed to the Hasmonean period, has been uncovered during an archaeological excavation by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) south of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. The aqueduct was part of an ancient water system that transported spring water from the Gush Etzion area and Solomon's Pools to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Dr. Benjamin Sturchen and Gil Fried, excavation directors for the IAA, explained that the aqueduct was an impressive engineering feat, likely built by the Hasmonean kings to supply water to Jerusalem. Its sophisticated design allowed it to be used intermittently for nearly 1,000 years. The aqueduct stretched approximately 21 kilometers from Solomon's Pools south of Bethlehem to Jerusalem, maintaining a very gentle gradient of about one meter drop per kilometer to facilitate gravity flow without pumps.
The unearthed section reveals different stages of the water system's history. Initially, water flowed through a plastered channel. About 500 years ago, during the Ottoman period, a clay pipe was laid within the ancient channel. The outer walls of the aqueduct were then plastered, and stones were pressed into the wet plaster to create a unique, rough surface along its length, demonstrating continuous efforts to maintain the water supply.
In collaboration with the Israel Land Authority, the discovered section will be preserved as part of the developing urban landscape. It is planned to be integrated into the main entrance of the new neighborhood and displayed publicly. Dr. Amit Ram, IAA's Jerusalem region director, called the aqueduct an engineering marvel, noting that even today, constructing such a system would require significant planning and effort. The IAA envisions creating a continuous park along the aqueduct from southern Jerusalem to the Old City.
Yehuda Eliyahu, Acting Director of the Israel Land Authority, stated that the discovery reminds them of the continuous chain of generations in building and development, emphasizing the authority's commitment to modern development while preserving historical heritage. The aqueduct's integration into the new neighborhood's entrance will provide residents and visitors with a direct connection to Jerusalem's rich history.
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