Ritual purity complex from Second Temple period discovered at foot of Temple Mount

Archaeologists from the Hebrew University have discovered a well-preserved ritual purity complex at the foot of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, dating back to the Second Temple period. The complex features a large water reservoir and several immersion pools (mikvehs) connected by a drainage system. Researchers highlight the exceptional preservation of the site and its significance for understanding pilgrimage during that era.

Archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University, led by Professors Uzi Leibner and Orit Peleg-Barkat, have discovered a ritual purity complex at the foot of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, dating to the Second Temple period. The complex is located near the Triple Gate, one of the ancient entrances to the Temple Mount from the south. At the center of the complex, built in the early 1st century CE, is a large plastered water reservoir measuring approximately 12 by 9.5 meters, with steps descending to its bottom from four sides. To the northwest of the reservoir, an impressive ashlar stone structure was found, containing four rooms, three of which are identified as large public immersion pools for ritual purification (mikvehs). One of the pools is exceptionally well-preserved, including its stone ceiling and the shaft through which water was supplied. Such preservation of a Second Temple-era structure from foundation to cornice is extremely rare. The pools and reservoir were connected to an extensive drainage system consisting of channels, in places preserved to a height of over two meters. These channels diverted water from the complex toward the Kidron Valley. The complex ceased to exist in the summer of 70 CE, when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed by the Romans. Beneath it, remains of an older public complex were found, likely dating to the 1st century BCE. The researchers emphasize that the find directly addresses the core of their study on the archaeology of pilgrimage during the Second Temple period.