Archaeologists have recently uncovered a vast quarry in Jerusalem’s Har Hotzvim area that may have been the source of building stones for the Second Temple. This discovery sheds light on the massive construction activities that took place in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago during King Herod’s reign, just before the city was destroyed by the Romans.
The quarry, spanning approximately 3,500 square meters, contains massive building blocks, some weighing up to 2.5 tons, along with other artifacts including a stone jar used for purification. This site was likely in use until around A.D. 70 when the Roman Empire conquered Jerusalem.
The significance of this discovery lies in the insights it provides into the city’s industrial capabilities and the resources required for its monumental architecture. Professor Amos Frumkin from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem emphasizes the scale of construction activities in Jerusalem during its peak period, highlighting the immense efforts that went into building structures like the Second Temple.
Professor Boaz Zissu from Bar-Ilan University also praises the discovery, noting that similar quarries from the same time period have been found in the Jerusalem area. The integration of the quarry into a commercial complex, while preserving its historical significance, adds another layer of importance to this archaeological find.
Overall, the uncovering of this quarry adds to our understanding of ancient Jerusalem’s building practices and the monumental structures that once stood in the city. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and architectural achievements of this ancient civilization.
