Ancient purification complex found in Jerusalem

[guy]

 

An ancient purification complex has been discovered in Jerusalem. Jewish pilgrims would ritually prepare themselves before ascending to the Temple. Its three mikva’ot (plural for mikvah: a ritual purity bath), as well as a large immersion pool, and a continuous water‑supply system are consistent with a site used for ritual purity. This was a requirement before entering the sacred precincts of the Second Temple (1st century BCE to AD 70). 
 

Ritual bath with surviving stone vault:

Immersion pool:

 

Drainage tunnel to complex:

 

Coins found at site:

 

 

Model of the Second Temple:

 

Because the complex sits beside the southern approach to the Temple Mount, archaeologists conclude it was used for purification before encountering the divine presence. 

 

 

https://phys.org/news/2026-09-monumental-reveal-pilgrims-purified-jerusalem.html

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/ancient-public-mikveh-complex-used-for-festival-pilgrimage-uncovered-at-foot-of-temple-mount/

Edited 1 hour ago by guy