A massive discovery from Jerusalem’s Second Temple Period (also known as the Early Roman Period) has been dug up and revealed to the public, and everyone is excited! While archeological findings from different eras are common in the entire country (Israel is actually one huge archeological site where if you dig anywhere, you are likely to find something ancient), finding complete rooms, still intact from 2000 years ago is extremely rare. However, archeologists digging under Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter have found two luxurious rooms, connected by a magnificent chamber with an elaborate water fountain.
One of the rooms recently uncovered was likely used as a banquet hall for VIP visitors to the Holy Temple around 2000 years ago.
According to archeologists, the building was built between 20-30 CE, on the main Jerusalem road that led to the Temple Mount. Due to the size of the room, splendor of the building, and location (only 25 meters from the Western (Wailing) Wall) archeologists believe this building was used to host important dignitaries, VIPs from abroad and the local elite before they ascended to the Temple.
Journalists being given a tour of the grand Banquet Hall. Very soon, you will also be able to visit here on your next trip to Israel!
In between the two grand rooms, was a beautiful hallway with an elaborate fountain. Lead pipes brought in the fresh water that gushed out of Corinthian capitals attached to the wall.
