In September, archaeological excavations in Jerusalem’s Giv’at Hamatos neighborhood uncovered an ancient aqueduct that supplied water to the upper city during the Roman occupation. This remarkable find, announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority, reveals a tunnel that once provided water to the elite residents of Jerusalem, including figures like Roman Emperor Herod, around 2000 years ago. The aqueduct continued to function even after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
Dr. Ofer Sion and Ruth Cohen, excavation directors, explained that due to population growth and construction, water sources in Jerusalem became insufficient during the Second Temple period. To address this, the Hasmoneans and King Herod built two sophisticated aqueducts, an engineering marvel of the time.
During the excavation, a coin from 67/68 CE was discovered, likely placed intentionally by Roman occupiers. Approximately 25 coins were found in the aqueduct’s foundations, potentially offering insights into the aqueduct’s construction stages and its builders. The Upper Aqueduct followed a convenient topographical route, consisting of three distinct parts from different historical periods, a clear indication of the level of sophistication put in its construction.
