They could have been part of an extensive underground network that is now lost.
Three underground rooms were found during excavations at the western wall in the Old City. Their purpose is still a mystery to archaeologists.
The new archaeological site was hewn by hand from hard rock using a variety of tools, including iron hammers.
The excavation started last year. Archaeologists decided to study the remains of a late Byzantine building located about 35 meters from the base of the wall. It all started with an exploration of a simple tiled floor paved with white mosaics. Under this floor, three underground rooms were found, occupying different floors and connected by a staircase. The size of the two rooms is 2.5 × 4 meters and 2.5 × 2.5 meters. The third room has yet to be excavated.
Excavations at the western wall of the Old City.
Oil lamps found on the premises.
Archaeologists speculate that this underground system may have been part of a much larger social structure that has since been destroyed. Niches were found in the rooms, in which there were entirely and fragmentarily preserved clay oil lamps and bowls made of limestone. Dating has shown that their age is about 2000 years, and archaeologists are inclined to believe that the rooms were cut down at the same time.
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The purpose of the premises is still a mystery. Excavation leader Barak Monnickendam-Givon suggests that they could have been living quarters, serve as storerooms, or even be a place to hide during the Roman raids.
Underground archaeological excavations take place at a depth of approximately six to seven meters. Researchers hope that the discovery of new items, such as fragments of bones and pottery, will help shed light on daily life in Jerusalem before its destruction by Rome in 70 CE.
Author: Mikhail Sysoev
