In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, researchers have unearthed a unique ritual complex on the eastern slope of Jerusalem's City of David, offering unprecedented insights into religious practices during the First Temple period. The structure, featuring eight intricately carved rooms and various ritual installations, represents the only known ceremonial structure from this era in Jerusalem and one of the few discovered throughout Israel.
The newly excavated complex, spanning approximately 220 square meters, contains eight rooms carved directly into the bedrock. Each room served a distinct purpose, as evidenced by their specialized installations. The complex includes an oil press for ceremonial oil production and a wine press for ritual wine-making. Perhaps most significantly, researchers discovered a carved altar complete with drainage channels alongside a prominent standing stone (masseba) that was likely used for religious ceremonies. One of the rooms features mysterious V-shaped markings on its floor, which archaeologists believe may have supported a ritual tripod.
A small cave within the complex yielded a treasure trove of eighth-century BCE artifacts, providing valuable context about the structure's use. The archaeological team uncovered pottery vessels bearing ancient Hebrew inscriptions, traditional loom weights, and an array of decorative items, including scarabs and stamped seals. The discovery of grain-grinding stones and various cooking vessels further illuminates the daily activities in this sacred space.
The complex's operational period coincided with the reign of the Kings of Judah, functioning until the eighth century BCE. According to excavation director Eli Shukron, the structure's abandonment likely correlates with King Hezekiah's religious reforms, which aimed to centralize worship at the Temple Mount.
The excavation reveals that the site was deliberately filled and sealed during the eighth century BCE, preserving many features in remarkable condition. The standing stone, in particular, remained perfectly positioned in its original location, offering invaluable archaeological evidence of ancient religious practices.
While the current excavation began in 2010, the site's archaeological significance dates back to 1909, when British explorer Montague Parker first discovered its northern section while searching for the Ark of the Covenant and Temple treasures. The recent comprehensive excavation, led by Eli Shukron for the Israel Antiquities Authority, has finally revealed this historic structure's full extent and importance.
The complete findings have been published in 'Atiqot,' the Israel Antiquities Authority's scientific journal, and are now freely accessible through the IAA's new digital publications platform, making this significant discovery available to scholars and the public alike.
Israel's Minister of Heritage, Amichai Eliyahu, emphasized the discovery's cultural significance, stating that such findings provide tangible evidence of Jerusalem's rich historical heritage and the Jewish people's ancient roots in the region.
This remarkable find, situated just hundreds of meters from the Temple Mount, continues to enhance our understanding of religious practices in ancient Jerusalem and provides valuable insights into the complex spiritual landscape of the First Temple period.