Massive newly-unearthed complex may shed light on how Jewish pilgrims prepared to enter the Temple

A monumental complex of mikvaot (ritual baths) from the Second Temple period has been uncovered at the foot of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The 280-square-meter site, excavated by Hebrew University archaeologists, includes a large central pool and several mikvaot with rare drainage systems suggesting running water. The complex, located near the sealed Triple Gate, likely served Jewish pilgrims for ritual purification before entering the Temple. Evidence of destruction from the Roman sack of Jerusalem in 70 CE was found, including coins from the First Jewish Revolt.

A monumental complex of mikvaot (ritual baths) from the Second Temple period has been uncovered at the foot of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, shedding light on how Jewish pilgrims prepared to enter the Temple. The 280-square-meter site, excavated by Hebrew University archaeologists Prof. Uzi Leibner and Prof. Orit Peleg-Barkat, includes a large central pool and several mikvaot with rare drainage systems suggesting running water. The complex, located near the sealed Triple Gate, likely served Jewish pilgrims for ritual purification before entering the Temple. Evidence of destruction from the Roman sack of Jerusalem in 70 CE was found, including coins from the First Jewish Revolt. The discovery points to a longer history of ritual purification activity in the area immediately adjacent to the Temple Mount.