Exploring Jerusalem's Roman Drainage Canal in Jerusalem
The Roman Drainage Canal, a subterranean passage marvel of ancient engineering stretches from the Pool of Siloam all the way to the Davidson Archaeological Park.
Location
The Roman drainage canal canal begins at the historic Pool of Siloam, located in the City of David, and makes its way north to end near the Davidson Center, adjacent to the Western Wall. This route underlies what was once a bustling street of Second Temple Jerusalem.
The History of the Roman Drainage Canal
The Roman Drainage Canal in Jerusalem was a critical infrastructure element constructed at the end of the 1st century B.C.. This 650-meter-long underground tunnel was engineered to manage the runoff of rainwater from the Temple Mount down the Tyropoeon Valley, leading the water towards the south side of the lower city, not directly into the Shiloah pool.
During the Great Revolt in 70 AD, the Roman Drainage Canal served as a refuge for Jewish rebels hiding from Roman forces in Jerusalem. The Romans attempted to find these rebels by breaking through the pavement into the canal, where a Roman sword and other artifacts were later discovered, evidencing their search. Historian Josephus vividly describes this tragic pursuit. In modern times, the canal was excavated in 2011, leading to significant archaeological finds including a golden bell and an engraved Menorah on a stone object near the Shiloah Pool.
Nearby Sites
- Archaeological Riches: The canal has yielded numerous artifacts from various periods, including a significant gold bell linked to Temple period high priests and a Roman sword, shedding light on its historical and cultural layers.
- Construction Techniques: The canal features Roman architectural techniques with sections built using large stone blocks, and in some areas, the original plaster still clings to the walls, providing insights into the construction methods of that era.
Sources and Additional Information
Central Drainage Canal on BibleWalks
Nearby Sites
- City of David: Just a short walk from the canal’s starting point, this archaeological site reveals the oldest settled neighborhood of ancient Jerusalem.
- Pool of Siloam: Known for its biblical significance as the site where Jesus healed a blind man, marking the starting point of the canal.
- Davidson Archaeological Park: Offers a comprehensive view of Jerusalem’s ancient history and archaeological discoveries, located at the end of the canal.
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel: Another fascinating water system that dates back to the reign of King Hezekiah and offers an adventurous walk through history.
