Archaeologists have uncovered a rare ancient ritual bath beneath the Western Wall Plaza, providing a unique glimpse into the religious practices of Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago. The stone structure, hidden for centuries beneath a thick layer of debris dating back to 70 C.E., is believed to have been used during the final years of the Second Temple period — a time when the city was deeply shaped by religious tradition.
The excavation, carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority alongside the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, revealed a rectangular bath carved directly into the rock. Measuring about 3 meters in length and 2 meters in height, it features four descending steps leading to a plastered basin.
What makes this discovery especially notable is its location — close to the Temple Mount’s ancient entrances, Robinson’s Arch, and the Great Bridge. These routes were once used by pilgrims traveling to the temple, making the presence of a ritual bath in the area both practical and symbolic.
Insight into daily rituals in ancient Jerusalem
Excavation leader Ari Levy said the find reinforces long-held beliefs about how deeply religious law influenced daily life in ancient Jerusalem. The frequent discovery of ritual baths and stone vessels throughout the city paints a clear picture of a community that placed great importance on purity.
Ritual baths, also known as mikvahs, were used to maintain spiritual cleanliness, especially before entering sacred spaces. Stone containers, several of which were also found near the site, played a key role in these practices. Unlike other materials, stone was believed to remain unaffected by impurity, making it suitable for repeated use according to religious custom.
Levy noted that such findings highlight how both residents and visitors observed ritual laws closely. The phrase “purity spread in Israel,” he explained, reflects a cultural mindset where physical cleanliness and spiritual preparation were closely connected.
A timely discovery with deep symbolism
The discovery was announced just days before Asara B’Tevet, a day of mourning that marks the ancient siege of Jerusalem by Babylonian forces. Officials say the timing gives the find additional emotional and historical meaning.
Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu called the bath a vivid reminder of the strong ties between daily life and religious tradition during the Second Temple era. He emphasized the importance of ongoing archaeological research in preserving these stories for future generations.
Mordechai Eliav, director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, described the bath as a symbol of spiritual resilience. Found beneath ash and household remnants from Jerusalem‘s destruction by the Roman Empire, the bath serves as a testament to the strength and continuity of a culture that valued both tradition and renewal.