Excavations conducted recently in the City of David revealed a main commercial street dating back to King Herod's time (around 74 B.C.E.).
The street apparently served as a major route for ancient pilgrims on their way to the Temple.
Underneath the terraced street, researchers exposed sewage channels that are described in the writings of Roman Jewish historian Josephus Flavius. These channels were used by the city's residents and the last remaining rebels as a hiding place from the Roman army following the conquest of the city and the burning of the Temple.
"Fifth Avenue" of ancient Jerusalem (Photo: Vladimir Neyhin)
The section revealed is located at the low-end of the street, next to Pool of Shiloach, and was supposedly used to connect the water pool with the street. Archeologists estimate the street's length at close to 200 feet.
The excavation is still in its early stages, and the site will be open to visitors once the work in the area is completed in approximately three years.
The excavation is a joint project of the City of David Foundation, Israel's Tourism Ministry, the Municipality of Jerusalem and Israel Antiquities Authority.
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