By Archaeologists in Jerusalem have stumbled across an ancient mystery that has left them scratching their head. Thought to be two channel installations, possibly one portion of a larger system of some kind, large channels from roughly 3,000 years ago have been found at one of the nation’s most famous archeological digs, but no one knows what it was used for.
According to a statement released by the IAA on Wednesday, “the installations are the first of their sort to be found in Israel. The City of David archaeological site, which is thought by the majority of scholars to represent the location of the original settlement at Jerusalem, is located in the national park where the structures were discovered.”
The desperate researchers said they have called in for extra help to try and understand what they’re looking at.
The installations were found close to the Temple and the king’s palace and were thought to be important for that reason, however, archaeologists so far have not been able to confirm exactly what they were used for, All News Israel noted.
The likes of such a discovery have never been seen in Israel to date.
“We looked at the installation and realized that we had stumbled on something unique, but since we had never seen a structure like this in Israel, we didn’t know how to interpret it,” said Israeli Antiquities Authority researcher Iftach Shalev.
“Even its date was unclear. We brought a number of experts to the site to see if there were any residues in the soil or rock that are not visible to the naked eye, and to help us understand what flowed or stood in the channels. We wanted to check whether there were any organic remains or traces of blood, so we even recruited the help of the police forensic unit and its research colleagues around the world, but so far – to no avail.”
The City of David archaeological site, nestled within the heart of Jerusalem, is a captivating testament to the ancient history of this storied city. With roots dating back over 3,000 years, it stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Israel, offering a compelling glimpse into the origins of Jerusalem itself. This site is believed to be the original nucleus of the city, where King David is said to have established his capital around 1000 BCE. The City of David is a vibrant archaeological park that combines history, culture, and spirituality, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.
Visitors to the City of David can embark on an immersive journey through its underground tunnels, where they can explore remnants of the city’s past, including the ancient water system known as Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This incredible feat of engineering, constructed in the 8th century BCE, still functions today, allowing visitors to wade through its cool, knee-deep waters as they trace the footsteps of ancient inhabitants. The site also features a wealth of artifacts and archaeological discoveries, shedding light on the lives and cultures of the various civilizations that once called Jerusalem home. The City of David stands as a testament to the enduring significance of Jerusalem in the annals of history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone intrigued by the ancient world and the foundations of civilization.
Eli Escusido, director of the Antiquities Authority, said, “The ancient channel installations we have before us are fascinating and stimulate the imagination. The excavations in the City of David, which cover vast areas compared to densely populated Jerusalem, are revealing to us more and more fascinating details from the time of the Judahite kings, of which there are relatively few finds in the Old City due to modern disturbances. From time to time we come across surprising, enigmatic finds that challenge us and spark research interest. With the help of collaboration with other institutions, we crack these mysteries and advance our knowledge of past societies; I congratulate all institutions for this successful collaboration.”
Now they just have to figure out what exactly they’re looking at.
Sewar, water??