Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Archaeologists make major discovery near site of 2,000-year-old holy temple

gbnews.com · 3hShare

Archaeologists have unearthed an extraordinary complex of ritual baths at the base of Jerusalem's Temple Mount. The site was discovered during digs in the Ophel area, near the Triple Gate along the mount's southern wall. It spans roughly 280 square metres. Its scale, architectural design and proximity to a major Temple entrance indicate the complex was purpose-built for Jewish worshippers who ritually immersed themselves before ascending to the Second Temple some 2,000 years ago. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Researchers are calling it an unprecedented find. The excavation directors described finding a monumental stone structure dedicated solely to purification this near to the Temple Mount as without parallel. The complex includes three large public mikvaot, Jewish ritual baths, a plastered pool, and an elaborate system designed to channel and drain water throughout the site. One of the baths is remarkably well preserved. It stands approximately 4.2 metres high and still retains it

First report: Archaeologists Discover Monumental Ritual Baths Near Jerusalem’s Temple Mount — colombiaone.com, 1d