Ancient Podium in the City of David

November 9, 2015

An intriguing find consisting of an impressive pyramid-shaped staircase constructed of large ashlar stones was uncovered in an archaeological excavation currently conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The excavation is located in the City of David, site of ancient Jerusalem.

This structure, situated alongside the 2,000-year-old Second Temple stepped street, carried pilgrims on their way from the Shiloah (Siloam) Pool to the Temple. The street, a section of which was excavated in the past, is remarkably well-preserved and is built of enormous stone slabs. The street, discovered a number of years ago, most likely runs above the 2,000-year-old drainage channel which carried rain water out of the city. Dozens of whole pottery vessels, stone vessels and glassware were found at the foot of the pyramid-shaped staircase.

According to archaeologists Nahshon Szanton and Dr. Joe Uziel, who direct the excavation on behalf of the IAA, “The structure exposed is unique. To date such a structure has yet to be found along the stepped street in the numerous excavations that have taken place in Jerusalem. For this reason, its exact use remains enigmatic. The structure is built along the street in a place that is clearly visible from afar by passersby making their way to the Temple. We believe the structure was a kind of monumental podium that attracted the public’s attention when walking on the city’s main street.

“We know from rabbinic sources there were ‘stones’ that were used for public purposes during the Second Temple period. In the Mishnah and Talmud the ‘Stone of Claims’ is mentioned as a place that existed in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period: ‘Our rabbis taught: There was a Stone of Claims in Jerusalem: whoever lost an article repaired thither, and whoever found an article did likewise. The latter stood and proclaimed, and the former submitted his identification marks and received it back.’” (Bava Metzia 28:B).

Source: Excerpts of article by Israel Antiquities Authority

Photo Credit: IAA & Ashernet