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Monday, September 06, 2021

Ancient quarry excavated in Jerusalem

ARCHAEOLOGY: Second Temple period quarry uncovered in Jerusalem. Jerusalem’s ancient quarries were the main source of building stones for monumental construction projects in the city, such as the Temple Mount. (IAA press release via IMFA).
(Communicated by the Israel Antiquities Authority Spokesperson)

Jerusalem’s well-known high-tech industrial zone is called ‘Har Hozvim’ (‘Quarrymen’s Hill’), but not everyone knows why. This week, prior to future development by the Moriah Jerusalem Development Corporation, Israel Antiquities Authority excavations provided evidence of the name’s true meaning with the discovery of a vast ancient quarry that apparently dates from the Second Temple period (some two thousand years ago).

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I have noted the discovery of some other Second Temple-era quarries in the vicinity of Jerusalem here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Cross-file under Temple Mount Watch (sort of).

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