Archaeologists in Jerusalem have uncovered a 2,800-year-old aqueduct dating back to the time of the biblical kings, but its purpose remains a mystery.
of Published by the Israeli Antiquities Authority Recent discoveries indicate that it may have been in use during the Temple period of Solomon, known as the First Temple Period (970 BCE to 596 BCE), and fell into disuse during the reigns of Kings Joash and Amaziah of Judah. Studies have shown that the high Both are listed under the Crown. The aqueduct was likely built several decades ago, so it could have been built in or around the time of King Solomon.
“This ditch was likely used to dip some kind of product,” the Israeli Antiquities Authority said in a news release. “Its central position indicates that the product was tied to the economy of palaces and temples.”
The rock-cut aqueduct was discovered during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University in the City of David National Park. So far, two facilities have been discovered about 30 feet apart. On top of the rocky cliffs “surrounding the facility” were seven drainage pipes that “carried liquids from the top of the active cliffs to the waterway facility,” the Israel Antiquities Authority said.
“When we saw the installation, we realized we had come across something unique, but we had never seen a structure like this in Israel, so we didn’t know how to interpret it. No,” said Iftah Sharev, principal investigator at the Israel Institute. Antiquities Authority. “…we brought some experts to the site to see if there was any sub-visible residue in the soil or rocks and what was flowing or accumulating in the waterways. We wanted to see if there was evidence of organic corpses or blood, and we were also working with police forensic departments and their colleagues around the world to find out. I asked, but so far in vain.
Sharef said the channel was not connected to a catch basin, so “it could have been used to soak the product, not to drain the liquid.”
“In the production of linen, for example, flax must be soaked for a long time to soften it. It means that [date honey]similar to similarly shaped facilities found in as far away places as Oman, Bahrain and Iran,” he said.
Archaeologists plan to collect more soil samples in the future to reconfirm the use of the waterway.
Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Esuksid said these channels “ignite the imagination” and provide “more fascinating details about the time of King Judah, a relatively scarce discovery in the Old City due to modern turmoil”. said to clarify.
“Sometimes we come across surprising and enigmatic discoveries that challenge us and arouse interest in research,” Esquid said. “With the help of collaborations with other agencies, we will unravel these mysteries and deepen our knowledge of past societies.”
Photo credit: ©Israel Antiquities Authority
Michael Faust has been covering the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in The Baptist Press. Christianity today, Christian Poecent, of Leaf Chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
