Ancient 2,000-Year-Old Aqueduct Discovered in Southern Jerusalem

Archaeologists in Israel uncovered a 300-meter stretch of the ancient Lower Aqueduct south of the kibutz Ramat Rachel on October 11, revealing a 2,000-year-old water supply system that transported water across 21 kilometers from the Solomon Pools to the Temple Mount.

Water System Spanned 21 Kilometers to Jerusalem

The discovery emerged during preventative excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority prior to the development of a new residential neighborhood. The infrastructure historically carried water from the Ein Eitam spring in the Gush Etzion area south of Bethlehem, feeding the reservoirs known as the Solomon Pools and extending all the way to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

The entire system spanned roughly 21 kilometers, or 13 miles. Rather than taking a direct route, the channel followed the natural terrain, maintaining an exceptionally gradual and precise descent of roughly one meter of elevation loss for every kilometer traveled. This configuration allowed water to flow entirely by gravity without the need for mechanical pumps. Cleaning points were installed in various locations along the system to enable access for clearing blockages and performing routine maintenance.

Hasmonean Dynasty Built Aqueduct for Ceremonial Washings

Construction of the Lower Aqueduct is attributed to the Hasmonean dynasty, placing its origins between 140 BCE and 37 BCE, preceding the rule of Herod the Great.

Water from the lower aqueduct was used for the ceremonial washings of the priests and to clean the blood of sacrifices. The aqueduct is mentioned in the Jerusalem Talmud, in the Tractate of Yoma, where it describes how the water was used to wash the marble floor of the sanctuary and clean blood. Previous excavations have brought to light other parts of the aqueduct, which remained in use until the late Ottoman period.

The infrastructure underwent multiple phases of maintenance and adaptation across centuries of changing rule. During the early Ottoman period, administrators installed terracotta and ceramic piping inside portions of the original stone channel to protect the water supply. Excavation directors Benyamin Storchan and Gil Freid pointed out that the planning was so durable that the system remained in intermittent use until roughly a century ago. Dr. Amit Re’em, Jerusalem district archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority, noted that even with modern technology, constructing such a system would require enormous planning and effort.

Authorities Will Integrate Aqueduct into Public Park

Unlike standard construction procedures where unexpected antiquities might halt or reroute housing projects, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Israel Lands Authority plan to preserve the newly found 300-meter segment. The agencies intend to integrate the ancient water channel into an accessible public archaeological park. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu stated that incorporating the historic aqueduct into the modern residential development allows future generations to engage directly with the city’s heritage as it expands. The Israel Antiquities Authority also hopes to create a park running the entire length of the aqueduct from southern Jerusalem to the Temple Mount so the public can appreciate the achievement up close.