30/09/2026
We are excited to share the discovery of a monumental purification complex dating to the Second Temple period!
Located near the “Triple Gate,” the complex covers approximately 280 square meters and was constructed in the early first century CE. It includes a large pool, a paved courtyard, and an impressive ashlar-built structure containing three public ritual baths (mikva’ot).
💡 What makes this discovery so special?
One of the mikva’ot was preserved to its full height, an impressive 4.2 meters, including its stone vault and the shaft through which water entered the installation.
In addition, all three mikva’ot were drained into an extensive system of large drainage channels, indicating a steady flow of substantial quantities of water. This may have come from surplus water from the aqueduct that supplied the cisterns on the Temple Mount.
The complex likely served the tens of thousands of pilgrims making their way to the Temple Mount and the Temple. Its use came to a dramatic end with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, as indicated by coins from the Great Revolt discovered at the site.
The excavations were directed by Prof. U*i Leibner and Prof. Orit Peleg-Barkat of the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology and with the assistance of many additional partners.
A huge congratulations to all the team members, students, and volunteers who took part in these five incredible excavation seasons! 👏🔍
📰 Read more about the discovery in the media:
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-909482
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2026-09-24/ty-article-magazine/monumental-ancient-ritual-baths-unearthed-at-foot-of-temple-mount-in-jerusalem/000001a0-cea3-d18d-afbf-ffe3d7810000
https://www.timesofisrael.com/ancient-public-mikveh-complex-used-for-festival-pilgrimage-uncovered-at-foot-of-temple-mount/
📸 Photos: East Jerusalem Development Company / Emil Sadikov / Aubrey Mercado / Tal Rogovski
