Summary: A 2000-year-old hidden underground complex from the Second Temple period with the largest ritual bath in Jerusalem has been discovered and will soon be available for visitors to see.
As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” – Mark 13:1 (NIV)
King Herod’s Lavish Temple Renovations
The recent archaeological discovery of a hidden underground chamber reveals the largest ritual bath found to date in Jerusalem. The structure is from the Second Temple era which covers about 600 years, starting in the late sixth century BC during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah to AD 70 when the Temple was destroyed.
King David designed the First Jewish Temple and his son King Solomon built it (1 Kings 6). Babylonians demolished it some 400 years later when they conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC. Fifty-two years later, under the leadership of Nehemiah, exiles were allowed to return and begin rebuilding following a decree by Cyrus, king of Persia. (Ezra 1:1-4, 2 Chron. 36:22-23).
Later Herod the Great, acting as vassal king for Rome from 37-4 BC, began major reconstruction of the Second Temple and areas around his kingdom. One source attesting to this is ancient historian Josephus who writes about Herod expanding the Temple platform on the upper face of the mountain which was originally built by King Solomon (Antiquities 9:95).
The massive upgrades to the Temple buildings and surrounding complex started by King Herod were still in progress at the time of Jesus, according to archeologists whose recent research shows that the “Herodian Hall” wasn’t completed until decades after Herod’s death. (More Herodian Second Temple finds).
The grand building only served for a short period before it was completely obliterated by Rome as Jesus predicted in Mark.
“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” – Mark 13:2 (NIV)
All that remains today of the Second Temple site is the Western Wall but parts of Herod’s building projects around the area are still being unearthed. The new finds confirm the majesty of the Temple before it was ruined.
Impressive Chambers Beneath Temple Mount
Soon visitors will be able to tour this impressive structure as part of the Western Wall Tunnels itinerary, according to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation and the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
“The new route provides a better understanding of the complex and important site, while emphasizing the extent of this magnificent building,” IAA architect Shachar Puni said in a statement. “It creates a new visitors’ route that passes through the building and leads to the spacious compound at the foot of Wilson’s Arch [one of the bridges leading to the Temple Mount], which was also excavated.”
“This is, without doubt, one of the most magnificent public buildings from the Second Temple period that has ever been uncovered outside the Temple Mount walls in Jerusalem,” said Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolach, the IAA’s excavation director.
Luxury for the Elite
The stunning building was located on the main road that led to the Temple Mount from the west. Built around AD 20-30, just a few decades before the Roman destruction, it would have been used to honor important dignitaries and members of the elite.
“Visitors to the site can now envisage the opulence of the place: the two side chambers served as ornate reception rooms and between them was a magnificent fountain with water gushing out from lead pipes incorporated amid the Corinthian capitals protruding from the wall. The excavation also uncovered the original massive stone slabs with which the ancient building was paved. The archaeologists believe that the guest rooms, which were also used for dining, contained wooden reclining sofas that have not been preserved,” Dr. Weksler-Bdolach added.
The imprint of the furniture can still be seen along the walls of the two side halls, indicating the building may have been used as a banqueting hall. Eating while reclining was a common practice for ancient Greeks followed by the Romans and continued into the fourth century. This custom is still practiced in the traditional Passover Seder.
Written in the early eighth century BC, the prophet Amos admonished the kingdoms of Judah and Israel for the practice of indulgence when taken at the expense of the poor.
They recline by every altar on garments taken in pledge, and drink in the house of their God the wine bought with fines they imposed.” – Amos 2:8 (The Israel Bible)
Largest Ritual Bath Yet Found
Perhaps most impressive of the entire excavation is the mikveh ritual bath, the largest in Jerusalem at about 7 meters long. Pilgrims were required to immerse themselves in the mikveh to meet the obligation of ritual purity before entering the Temple. The evidence shows that the room had previously been a dining hall that had been renovated by removing the floor and tearing down a wall. The steps of the bath are still visible. (See more on ritual wash basins unearthed).
More Revealing Artifacts Discovered
The dig was led by Israeli archeologists Barak Monnickendam-Givon and Tehila Sadiel and produced other exciting discoveries.
“We found terracotta crockery, some bases of an oil lamp used to make light, a stone cup exceptional for the period and a fragment of qalal, [which is] a large stone container used for water, perhaps linked to the Jewish practices of the purification ritual,” said Sadiel.
“We were able to reach the floor and collect organic samples for the carbon-14 dating, which has allowed us to understand when the construction works started. In the plaster used to cover the pool, we found coins from the year 54-55 CE [Common Era],” Weksler-Bdolach said.
Archeological Discovery Award
This excavation has put Israel in the running for the prestigious annual International Archaeological Discovery Award “Khaled al-Asaad” along with Italy, Indonesia, Germany and Egypt. The award was named after Khaled al-Asaad, the Syrian archeologist who was the head of antiquities at the heritage site of the ancient city of Palmyra. He was publicly beheaded in 2015 by the Islamic State after hiding precious artifacts in an attempt to prevent them from being ruined by a terrorist group known for destroying cultural heritage sites.
Conclusion
Discoveries like these add exciting tangible evidence to the historical authenticity of the Bible. We no longer have to imagine King Herod’s magnificent temple area renovations from 2000 years ago. By stepping into these underground chambers we can look back through time and see part of the world that Jesus himself lived in and spoke about in Mark 13. Keep Thinking!
TOP PHOTO: 2000-year-old remains from the recently excavated building under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. (Credit: Yaniv Berman, IAA)
