Hasmonean-era aqueduct section uncovered near Jerusalem

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have uncovered a 300-meter section of an ancient water system near Jerusalem. The discovery, located south of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, is part of the Lower Aqueduct, which is believed to have been constructed during the Hasmonean period over 2,000 years ago.

The aqueduct was part of a 21-kilometer system designed to transport spring water from Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem to the Temple Mount. The system utilized a precise gravity-fed design, maintaining a gradual downward slope of approximately one meter per kilometer to allow water to flow without mechanical pumps.

Excavations revealed that the structure underwent various stages of maintenance and modification over centuries. While the original channel was plastered, ceramic pipes were later installed during the Ottoman period approximately 500 years ago. The system remained in intermittent use until roughly 100 years ago. The discovery occurred during excavations ahead of planned residential development by the Israel Land Authority.