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2 clusters · 10 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Hasmonean-era aqueduct discovery near Jerusalem

Overview

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have uncovered a 300-meter section of the ancient Lower Aqueduct near Jerusalem, specifically south of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. The discovery occurred during excavations ahead of planned residential development.

The water system, likely constructed during the Hasmonean period over 2,000 years ago, was part of a 21-kilometer gravity-fed network designed to transport spring water from the Gush Etzion region to the Temple Mount. The engineering utilized a precise slope of approximately one meter per kilometer to facilitate water flow without mechanical pumps.

Excavations revealed that the structure underwent multiple historical modifications. While the original channel was plastered, ceramic pipes and decorative stone-embedded plaster were added during the Ottoman period approximately 500 years ago. The system remained in intermittent use until roughly 100 years ago. Plans indicate the site will be preserved and integrated into the new residential neighborhood for public viewing.

Entities

Israel Antiquities Authority · Jerusalem · Gush Etzion · Ramat Rachel · Temple Mount

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Jerusalem archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old aqueduct section

    Archaeologists have uncovered a 300-meter section of Jerusalem's 2,000-year-old Lower Aqueduct, a sophisticated gravity-fed water system dating back to the Hasmonean period.

  2. [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Hasmonean-era aqueduct section uncovered near Jerusalem

    Archaeologists have uncovered a 300-meter section of a 2,000-year-old Hasmonean-era aqueduct near Jerusalem, part of an ancient gravity-fed water system.

Sources

dziennik.pl · europesays.com · expartibus.it · iltitolo.it · jewishpostandnews.ca · jewishreview.co.il · leichic.it · sajr.co.za · vinnews.com · worthynews.com