https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/434414
2,000-year-old aqueduct that supplied water to Temple Mount uncovered in Jerusalem
300-meter section of ancient aqueduct dating to the Hasmonean period discovered during excavations ahead of construction of new Jerusalem neighborhood. Historic structure to be preserved and displayed to the public.
A 300-meter-long section of Jerusalem's ancient Lower Aqueduct, which carried water from Solomon's Pools to the Temple Mount, has been uncovered during archaeological excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) south of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel.
The excavations, funded by the Israel Land Authority ahead of the construction of a new residential neighborhood, revealed a section of the approximately 2,000-year-old water system, originally built during the Hasmonean period.
The aqueduct was part of an extensive water supply network that transported spring water from the Gush Etzion area through Solomon's Pools, south of Bethlehem, to Jerusalem. Stretching approximately 21 kilometers, the system relied entirely on gravity to carry water across the mountainous terrain.
According to excavation directors Dr. Benyamin Storchan and Gil Freid of the Israel Antiquities Authority, the aqueduct represented a remarkable engineering achievement that continued to serve Jerusalem, intermittently, until approximately a century ago.
"The Lower Aqueduct was an impressive engineering project, probably built in the time of the Hasmonean kings to supply water to Jerusalem," the archaeologists explained.
They noted that the system maintained an exceptionally gradual slope, descending approximately one meter for every kilometer of its route. Its construction required careful planning to follow the surrounding landscape while ensuring a steady flow of water without mechanical assistance.
Maintenance access points were incorporated into the aqueduct, allowing workers to remove obstructions and keep the water flowing.
The recently uncovered section also provides evidence of modifications made throughout the aqueduct's history. Originally, water traveled through a plaster-lined channel. Approximately 500 years ago, during the Ottoman period, ceramic pipes were installed inside the existing structure.
During that period, the aqueduct's exterior was also coated with plaster into which small stones were pressed, creating a distinctive finish visible along its route. The various repairs demonstrate the continued efforts to preserve the system and maintain the city's water supply.
Dr. Amit Re'em, the IAA's Jerusalem District Archaeologist, described the discovery as an extraordinary example of ancient engineering.
"The aqueduct is an engineering marvel. Even today, with all our modern technology, building such a system would require extensive planning and effort," he said.
"The thought that about 2,000 years ago they managed to bring water to Jerusalem this way is astonishing, and we want the public to be able to appreciate this achievement up close."
Re'em also outlined the authority's broader vision of establishing a continuous park along the historic water route.
"The dream and vision of the Israel Antiquities Authority is to create a continuous park that will allow people to walk alongside the aqueduct from southern Jerusalem to the Old City, and we are already advancing this initiative together with the Jerusalem Municipality and other partners."
Under the development plans, the newly discovered section will be preserved and incorporated into the main entrance of the planned neighborhood, allowing residents and visitors to view the ancient structure.
Yehuda Eliyahu, Acting Director of the Israel Land Authority, welcomed the integration of the archaeological discovery into the new development.
"Integrating the aqueduct into the entrance of the new neighborhood will give residents and visitors a direct connection to Jerusalem's rich history and to the deep bond of the people of Israel with its eternal capital," he said.
Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu said the aqueduct reflected the foresight of the Hasmonean rulers in preparing Jerusalem for population growth and the arrival of pilgrims to the Temple.
"The aqueduct, whose construction is attributed to the days of the Hasmonean kings, tells of a leadership that knew how to think ahead: to expand Jerusalem's capacity to absorb residents, pilgrims, and public life around the Temple," he stated.
The discovery and new research on Jerusalem's Lower Aqueduct will be presented this week at the 19th annual "New Studies in the Archaeology of Jerusalem and Its Region" conference, held in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
The conference is organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University, and Tagliyot - Israel Institute of Archaeology.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/434414
Israel unearths 2,000-year-old section of Jerusalem aqueduct that brought water to Temple Mount
The aqueduct was part of a sophisticated ancient water system that carried spring water from the Gush Etzion area to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem through Solomon’s Pools.
A 300-meter-long section of Jerusalem’s Lower Aqueduct, originally constructed in the Hasmonean period, was recently unearthed south of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, near the capital, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced on Sunday.
The aqueduct was part of a sophisticated ancient water system that carried spring water from the Gush Etzion area to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem through Solomon’s Pools.
Hasmonean architects designed the aqueduct so water could flow by gravity alone, adapting the route to move smoothly across hills and bedrock. They installed cleanout points along the system, providing access to the channel for blockages or routine maintenance.
"The Lower Aqueduct was an impressive engineering project, probably built in the time of the Hasmonean kings to supply water to Jerusalem, explained IAA Excavation Directors Dr. Benyamin Storchan and Gil Freid. “The system was so well planned that it remained in intermittent use until about 100 years ago.”
“The aqueduct runs about 21 km from Solomon's Pools, south of Bethlehem, to Jerusalem. Along most of the route, the water flowed along a very gentle gradient, dropping just one meter in elevation per kilometer."
Section exposes ancient water system's history
The newly exposed section, located in an area slated by the Israel Land Authority for a new neighborhood, reveals several stages in the water system’s history.
Initially, the water flowed through a built and plastered channel. However, about 500 years ago, during the Ottoman period, they installed ceramic pipes within the original aqueduct.
At the same time, the outer wall was plastered, and small stones were pressed into it while the plaster was still wet, creating a distinctive surface that accompanied the aqueduct along its route.
These repairs reflect the aqueduct's importance and the ongoing effort to maintain Jerusalem's water supply.
"The aqueduct is an engineering marvel. Even today, with all our modern technology, building such a system would require extensive planning and effort,” said Dr. Amit Re'em, IAA Jerusalem district archaeologist. “The thought that about 2,000 years ago they managed to bring water to Jerusalem this way is astonishing, and we want the public to be able to appreciate this achievement up close.”
“The dream and vision of the Israel Antiquities Authority is to create a continuous park that will allow people to walk alongside the aqueduct from southern Jerusalem to the Old City, and we are already advancing this initiative together with the Jerusalem Municipality and other partners."
Aqueduct to be incorporated into new neighborhood
The ILA and the IAA are planning to preserve the aqueduct and incorporate it into the main entrance of the new neighborhood.
According to Yehuda Eliyahu, acting director of the ILA, "The spectacular discovery of the ancient aqueduct in the heart of the area planned for the new neighborhood in Jerusalem reminds us that we are continuing a glorious chain of generations of building and development.”
“The Israel Land Authority is pleased to lead extensive modern development while showing national responsibility and carefully safeguarding our historical heritage assets,” Eliyahu said. “Integrating the aqueduct into the entrance of the new neighborhood will give residents and visitors a direct connection to Jerusalem's rich history and to the deep bond of the people of Israel with its eternal capital."
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu echoed the sentiment, adding that "The aqueduct, whose construction is attributed to the days of the Hasmonean kings, tells of a leadership that knew how to think ahead: to expand Jerusalem's capacity to absorb residents, pilgrims, and public life around the Temple.”
“Integrating the aqueduct into the new neighborhood today continues this story: the city is growing, and we are glad that its integration into the new neighborhood will allow future generations to get to know this heritage up close."
The research on Jerusalem's Lower Aqueduct will be presented at the 19th "New Studies in the Archaeology of Jerusalem and Its Region" conference, held in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and initiated by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University, and Tagliyot – Israel Institute of Archaeology.
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-911290
No comments:
Post a Comment