Ancient Hasmonean Water Channel Uncovered Near Jerusalem Development Site

A 300-meter portion of Jerusalem’s Lower Aqueduct, dating back roughly two millennia, has been uncovered close to Kibbutz Ramat Rachel as work begins on a new southern-Jerusalem neighbourhood. The Israel Antiquities Authority, with funding from the Israel Land Authority, reported that the aqueduct originally conveyed water from Solomon’s Pools, south of Bethlehem, to the Temple Mount using a gentle one-meter-per-kilometre gradient.

Directors Benyamin Storchan and Gil Freid highlighted the sophisticated, gravity-driven design and its longevity, noting intermittent use up to about a century ago. Ottoman-period alterations, including ceramic piping and exterior plaster, demonstrate continued maintenance across eras. Archaeologist Amit Re’em praised the structure as an engineering marvel and said planners aim to integrate the remains into a public park linking southern Jerusalem to the Old City. Findings will be presented at the upcoming New Studies in the Archaeology of Jerusalem conference.