April 2013: In Jerusalem, Israel, archaeologists have uncovered a ritual pool [mikveh] from the Second Temple era near a highway construction site. The discovery came during excavations carried out in advance of paving the Ora-Masua’ah highway in the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Kiryat Menachem. According to Israel Antiquities Authority excavation director Benyamin Storchan, “Numerous ritual baths have been excavated in Jerusalem in recent years, but the water supply system that we exposed in this excavation is unique and unusual.

The pool consists of an underground chamber entered by way of steps. The mikveh received the rainwater from three collecting basins (otzar) that were hewn on the roof of the bath, and the pure water was conveyed onside the chamber through channels. The pool, located in a picturesque valley with ancient agriculture, was uncovered a short distance from houses in the neighbourhood. It conforms to all the Jewish laws and the walls were treated with a special kind of plaster, Storchan stated.

The ritual baths usually consist of a closed cavity that was supplied with rainwater conveyed from a small rock-cut pool located nearby. The complex that was exposed at this site is a more sophisticated and intricate system, apparently associated with a settlement that was situated there in the Second Temple period. Due to the rainfall regime and arid conditions of the region, the inhabitants sought special techniques that would make it possible to store every drop of water. The Israel Antiquities Authority and the Moriah Company involved in the area’s development are “working to make this ancient treasure a site for the benefit of the residents and visitors,” according to the IAA.

December 2012: According to the Israeli Antiquities Authority, “Israeli archaeologists digging under a road” in Jerusalem’s Kiryat Ha-Yovel neighborhood “have uncovered the remains of an agricultural community that could yield new information on the lives of” average people living “before and after the rise of the Hasmonean dynasty around 2,200 years ago.” This agricultural settlement appears to have been active both before and after the rise of the Hasmoneans to power.

The Hasmoneans came to power in 164 BCE, upon re-dedicating the Temple in Jerusalem. It is believed that the Maccabean Revolt relied mainly on farmers. According to the Jewish Virtual Library, “The farmers adhered closely to the Torah, especially to the precepts pertaining to the land, such as the year of release.

Archaeologists have found “a perfume bottle, wine press, bread oven and the remains of houses and agricultural buildings. Archaeologists also found a hand-made lead weight with […] the letter “yod,” the tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the equivalent of the English letter “y.”” Daniel Ein Mor, the chief archaeologist for the site, has stated, “We discovered rock foundations in the buildings, pointing to a huge investment. The quality of the construction is excellent, so I wouldn’t be surprised if future findings reveal it is even something bigger.”

Mor stated, “Up to now we have discovered very few sites that date back to the early period of the Hellenistic era in this area, which served as the agricultural periphery of Jerusalem. Very little is known about the materials used and the history of the residents of Jerusalem and its environs during the third and fourth centuries before the Common Era and before the Hasmonean revolt took place. The site that was discovered recently will help us understand how residents lived in this area at that time.”

October 2012: Ancient wine presses have been discovered in Jerusalem and will soon be part of a new park. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat recently inaugurated the designated park, which is planned to become an open Biblical tourist park. The park, which will occupy 30,250 square meters, is located north of Jerusalem Park and northwest of Mitzpe Naftoakh nature park.

Ancient Wine Presses Discovered In Jerusalem

When a dog fell into a hole and had to be rescued, this led to more holes in the vicinity and a major archaeological discovery in Jerusalem. Among the discoveries at the location are wine presses from the days of the First Temple, as well as pottery shards and two bronze coins from the Second Temple period. Massive digging at the location has been carried out by the authorities with the participation of local residents and school children.

A full reconstruction of the wine presses is planned, under the supervision of renowned archaeologist Amichai Mazar.