Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Aqueduct Supplying Jerusalem’s Temple Mount

The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced the discovery of a 300-meter section of the Lower Aqueduct, an ancient water system dating back to the Hasmonean dynasty. Located south of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, the structure is part of a 21-kilometer channel that transported spring water from the Gush Etzion region to Jerusalem. Excavation directors Dr. Benyamin Storchan and Gil Freid noted that the system utilized a precise gravity-fed design, maintaining a consistent descent of one meter per kilometer without the need for mechanical pumps.

Historians emphasize that the aqueduct was vital for supporting Jerusalem’s population and the large numbers of pilgrims visiting the Temple during major festivals such as Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The water was essential for drinking, ritual purification, and the daily operations of the Temple. This finding follows the recent discovery of a Second Temple-era ritual bathing complex nearby. Together, these archaeological sites provide further insight into the sophisticated infrastructure developed to sustain the religious and daily life of ancient Jerusalem.