October 12, 2026
Archaeologists found an ancient water channel near Jerusalem
תמונה: רשות העתיקות
Archaeologists found an ancient channel.
They found it near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel.
The section that was found is about 300 meters long.
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The channel carried water to Jerusalem. The Hasmoneans built it about 2,000 years ago.
The channel started in the Gush Etzion area. It reached the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
The channel was about 21 kilometers long.
The water flowed independently in the channel. The builders did not use pumps.
For every kilometer, the channel dropped about one meter. This way, the water continued to flow.
The builders also added openings. The workers entered through them. They cleaned and repaired the channel.
People used the channel for many years. It was used almost until 100 years ago.
About 500 years ago, people inserted a ceramic pipe into the channel.
The archaeologists found signs of many repairs. This indicates that the channel was very important.
The builders of the new neighborhood will preserve the section. They will also present it to the public.