Ancient tunnel uncovered during construction of new neighborhood in southern Jerusalem
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced this week that some of its archaeologists have uncovered an impressive ancient tunnel, running for about 50 meters (165 feet) through solid rock, near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel in the southern outskirts of Jerusalem. Researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority discovered the tunnel at a 58-dunam 14 acre) site being prepared for the construction of a new neighborhood under the auspices of the Israel Land Authority
“We were excavating in relatively rocky and exposed terrain when suddenly we discovered a natural karstic cavity,” said Dr. Sivan Mizrahi and Zinovi Matskevich, the excavation directors. “To our amazement, as the excavation progressed, this cavity developed into a long tunnel. Parts of it are still collapsed, so the tunnel has not yet revealed all of its secrets.”
They said the tunnel was filled with soil that had likely accumulated over hundreds of years, and possibly longer. Archaeologists said the hewn rock passage would measure approximately five meters high and three meters wide along most of its length if the accumulated earth were removed.
“The quarrying was executed meticulously,” said the IAA statement. “It is clear that whoever carved this tunnel invested tremendous effort, careful planning, and possessed the capabilities and resources necessary to achieve this goal.”
After examining and ruling out several possibilities, the researchers determined that the tunnel was most likely dug to allow workers “to reach a chalk layer suitable for quarrying building stones or producing lime,” adding that further research will be needed to make a final determination as to the tunnel’s purpose.
“During Jerusalem Day week, this special discovery reminds us of the deep and ancient connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem,” said Israeli Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu. “Beneath the city’s soil, extraordinary enterprises of life, creativity and construction are revealed time and again, testifying to generations of people who lived and worked here and left their mark. Jerusalem is not only the present-day capital of the State of Israel – it is also the heart of the historical story of the Jewish people, which continues to be uncovered before our eyes.”
Dr. Amit Re’em, IAA Jerusalem District Archaeologist, said: “We are celebrating Jerusalem Day this week. This discovery joins many others being uncovered every day, hour by hour, throughout the city. The archaeologists and researchers of the Israel Antiquities Authority are constantly at work, because this city never ceases to surprise. Usually, we have explanations for the discoveries we uncover, but sometimes, as in this case, we stand astonished and amazed.”
Jerusalem Region planner Shikma Sig of the Israel Land Authority said the organization is advancing a development plan north of Ramat Rachel that will combine a new residential neighborhood with a dedicated archaeological park.
”The neighborhood offers a rare combination of modern urban development and preservation of historical heritage, providing the future community with a green open space that makes the treasures of history accessible just beneath their homes. The Israel Land Authority is proud to advance sustainable urban development for the benefit of Jerusalem residents and the citizens of Israel as a whole.”
The new neighborhood in southern Jerusalem is one of dozens of large-scale construction projects currently underway across the capital, reflecting a broader period of extensive urban development expected to continue in the coming years.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
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