In 1867 the British explorer Captain Charles Warren discovered an ancient underground water tunnel just outside the walls of the old city and just 500 feet from the Western Wall.  Upon recognizing this to be remarkably similar to the underground water tunnel or "gutter" described in the Bible (2nd Book of Samuel Ch. 5) as used by King David's forces in the capture of Jerusalem, Captain Warren began archeological excavations that would later confirm that he had in fact just discovered "Biblical Jerusalem".

Captain Warren’s discovery launched a long line of excavations in the city and whet the appetite of numerous treasure hunters who came to the area seeking out the secrets and treasures of the "Bible".