Ancient aqueduct from time of Roman occupation discovered in Jerusalem
(Worthy News) – Archaeological excavations in the Giv’at Hamatos neighborhood of Jerusalem uncovered an ancient Aqueduct that once carried water throughout Jerusalem’s upper city during the time of Rome’s occupation, the Israel Antiquities Authorities announced on October 2.
The tunnel once fed water to the homes of Jerusalem’s elite, including the homes of prominent figures like Roman emperor Herod’s palace, 2000 years ago. The duct also continued functioning throughout Jerusalem in 70 CE, after the Tenth Roman Legion destroyed the Second Temple.
“Towards the end of the Second Temple period, when Jerusalem underwent significant expansion, and Herod’s Temple was built, the water flowing in the springs and stored in the cisterns was no longer sufficient for the thousands of residents and pilgrims in the city. Water had to be transferred to the city from afar,” said Dr. Ofer Sion and Ruth Cohen, the excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.