A team of archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) discovered a construction on the eastern slope of the City of David, within the Jerusalem Walls National Park.
This is an unprecedented ritual structure from the First Temple period, the only one of its kind found in Jerusalem and one of the few identified in Israel.
It is a building of approximately 220 square meters and consists of eight rooms carved into the rock. Among them they found an altar, a sacred stone, an oil and wine press and a drainage system carved into the rock.
In addition, V-shaped marks were identified on the floor of one of the rooms, the function of which is still unclear, and a set of objects dating back to the 8th century BC, including cooking pots and jars with inscriptions, among others.
According to excavation director Eli Shukron, “The sacred stone we discovered remained standing in its original place, and the other rooms of the structure were well preserved, giving us a unique insight into the religious practices of that time.”
For his part, Amichai Eliyahu, Israel's Minister of Heritage, said: “This unique structure in the City of David is a moving testament to Jerusalem's rich past. Discoveries like this strengthen our connection and our historical roots, which go back thousands of years in Jerusalem and other places where Jewish culture and belief emerged.”