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# Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Aqueduct That Supplied Jerusalem’s Temple Mount
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/archaeologists-unearth-ancient-aqueduct-that-supplied-jerusalems-temple-mount/
- Published: 2026-10-21T16:52:32.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-21T16:52:32.000Z
- Description: Archaeologists uncovered a 300-meter section of a 2,000-year-old aqueduct that carried water from springs south of Bethlehem to Jerusalem’s Second Temple.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Jerusalem, Archaeological finds, Israel

**JERUSALEM —** Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a 300-meter section of an [ancient aqueduct](https://aleteia.org/2026/10/18/archaeologists-unearth-the-aqueduct-that-once-fed-the-temple-mount/) that supplied water to the Temple Mount during the time of Jesus Christ, revealing part of a sophisticated water system built approximately 2,000 years ago.

The Israel Antiquities Authority announced the discovery on October 11 after excavations connected with plans for a new residential neighborhood south of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. Archaeologists believe the Lower Aqueduct of Jerusalem was constructed under the Hasmonean kings to supply water to the city and the Second Temple.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/07/three-previously-unknown-copies-of-ostrog-bible-discovered-on-mt-athos-image-5f1d4fb07491.jpg)On this topicArchaeologists Identify Probable Site of First Council of Nicaea](https://uoj.news/news/archaeologists-identify-probable-site-of-first-council-of-nicaea/)

The aqueduct extended approximately 13 miles from Solomon’s Pools, south of Bethlehem, to Jerusalem. It relied entirely on gravity, descending only about five feet per mile along much of its route. Ancient engineers maintained the gradual slope by cutting tunnels through hills and incorporating access points to allow workers to clean and maintain the channel.

“It is an engineering marvel,” said Amit Re’em, an archaeologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority. The system supplied water for ritual purification at the Second Temple and for cleaning its courtyards and altars following sacrifices.

Douglas Estes, a religion professor at New College of Florida, expressed confidence that Jesus and His disciples would have used water from the aqueduct during their pilgrimages to Jerusalem, although no direct archaeological evidence identifies particular individuals as users of the system.

The aqueduct remained in intermittent use until approximately a century ago, with ceramic pipes added during the Ottoman period. Authorities plan to preserve the newly uncovered section and incorporate it into the entrance of a planned neighborhood expected to contain up to 1,800 housing units.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/archaeologists-uncover-fourth-century-christian-basilica-beneath-italian-city/) that archaeologists uncovered a fourth-century Christian basilica beneath an Italian city.