The Central Water Drainage Channel

Present Excavation

2007 - 2012

Since 2007, Ronny Reich and Eli Shukron have been conducting a systematic excavation of the main water drainage tunnel of the city of Jerusalem from the Second Temple period. 700 meters inside the Tyropoeon Valley, which passes beneath the center of the city, have already been revealed. Work began in the center of the valley southwards and after it connected to the excavation near the Shiloah Pool, work continued north, beyond the walls of today’s Old City. This channel gathered water and drained it from the city of Jerusalem southwards, passing by the Shiloah Pool and outside the city. The channel also served as a place of refuge for the Jews who rebelled against the Romans. Found within the channel are numerous artifacts which tell the story of Jerusalem and its destruction. Amongst these finds are vessels and numerous coins including a shekel coin from the city of Tyre, a miniature golden bell that was sewn onto the garment of an individual of high stature, a Roman sword in its sheath, and a seal with the Aramaic words “Daka Le’Ya” (Pure for God), the official seal, it seems, used by Temple officials approving the purity of a sacrifice or object.

Archaeologists

Eli Shukron

Wed, 2012-01-18 15:30 — admin

Eli Shukron from the Israel Antiquities Authority has excavated in the City of David for over fifteen years and is considered one of the leading experts on archaeology in Jerusalem

Ronny Reich

Wed, 2012-01-18 14:15 — admin

Professor Ronny Reich from Haifa University has excavated in Jerusalem for many years, beginning as an archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority and since 2005...

Excavations Location

Following is the location of the dig on the map

Show Excavation on Map

Video

2,000 Year Old Sword

Wed, 2012-01-18 09:54 — admin

In work carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the water channel, a 2,000 year old iron sword was found, with its leather sheath partially intact.

Rare Menorah Etching

Wed, 2012-01-18 11:57 — admin

A stone object with a rare etching of a (Jewish) menorah (candelabrum) was found in the earth beneath the Herodian Road, adjacent to the water channel.

The Golden Bell

Wed, 2012-01-18 09:51 — admin

A rare golden bell with a loop attached was found in an archaeological excavation taking place in the City of David, part of the Jerusalem Walls National Park.

Images

Wed, 2012-01-18 13:51 — admin