Excavations in Jerusalem: 2000 year old ballroom uncovered

Archaeologists have excavated a large ballroom in the immediate vicinity of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The hall had a sophisticated system of fountains, several baths and was probably used by the local elite for gatherings.

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a 2000 year old large public building in Jerusalem. It is a ballroom that is only a few meters from the presumed location of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans, as the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced when the complex was unveiled.

Elite met for banquets

The opulent hall with an ingenious system of fountains was known to have been used for banquets or other gatherings of the local elites as well as visits by dignitaries. “It’s one of the most magnificent public buildings we know from the Second Temple era,” said IAA senior archaeologist Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah.

The discovered structure is in close proximity to the Temple Mount, the holiest place in Judaism. In the 6th century BC Second Temple was built under the rule of King Herod, a vassal of the Roman Empire, and destroyed by Roman troops in 70 AD.

The famous Western Wall is the only remnant of the temple. According to archaeologists, the hall is one of the underground tunnels that border the wall.

Ritual baths

At the time the temple was destroyed, the ballroom was divided into different areas, said Weksler-Bdolah. Among other things, there were impressive ritual baths. The excavation shows that the hall was no longer in use at the time of the early Muslim era, which began in the 7th century. During this time, the residents of Jerusalem moved on a street level that was several meters above the hall.