In a remarkable archaeological discovery, an ancient aqueduct that once supplied water to Jerusalem's upper city during the Roman occupation has been unearthed in the Giv'at Hamatos neighborhood of Jerusalem. This significant find, announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority on October 2, sheds new light on the sophisticated engineering and water management systems of the time.
Water Supply in Ancient Jerusalem
Dr. Ofer Sion and Ruth Cohen, the excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, provided crucial historical context for this discovery. They explained that during the Second Temple period, as Jerusalem experienced significant expansion and Herod's Temple was constructed, the existing water sources, including springs and cisterns, were no longer sufficient to meet the growing needs of the city's residents and pilgrims. To address this issue, the Hasmoneans and King Herod initiated the construction of two elaborate aqueducts to transport water to Jerusalem, a monumental feat of engineering that was one of the most sophisticated water projects in the ancient world. The aqueducts harnessed water from springs in the Bethlehem region, utilizing large pools and hydraulic principles based on the siphon principle of communicating vessels and the force of gravity to transport water over long distances. This engineering marvel allowed the continued flow of water into the city, a lifeline for the population's daily needs despite the tumultuous events of the time.
A long section of the Upper Aqueduct to Jerusalem was uncovered in archaeological excavations at Giv‘at HaMatos.
The Roman Coin Mystery
The excavation efforts were not limited to uncovering the aqueduct's structure but also led to the discovery of a coin dating back to 67/68 CE, a relic from the first Jewish revolt against the Romans. This revolt occurred before the Second Temple's destruction and was a pivotal moment in the city's history. The intriguing aspect of this find is that the coin was discovered within the aqueduct. It is believed that the Roman occupiers deliberately placed the coin in the duct, possibly as an offering for good fortune. About 25 coins were found in the aqueduct's foundations, distributed at roughly equal distances, suggesting that this practice was not coincidental. The discovery of these coins could provide researchers with a unique opportunity for absolute dating of the various stages of Jerusalem's aqueduct construction. This newfound insight may help answer the long-standing question of whether it was the Hasmoneans or King Herod who initiated the construction of the first aqueduct.
The Upper Aqueduct's route and structure are testament to the advanced engineering skills of the time. Its ability to deliver water to Jerusalem's upper city even during times of political upheaval and conflict demonstrates the resilience of the water supply system. This find not only sheds light on the technology and water management practices of the Roman era but also provides a vivid historical context for the daily life and needs of ancient Jerusalem's residents. The discovery of the aqueduct and the enigmatic placement of coins within it create a more comprehensive picture of the city's history and the interplay between engineering, politics, and daily life in ancient Jerusalem.
