According to the head of the excavations, Eli Shukrun, this object dates back to the era of the First Temple.
Newsru.co.il reports this.
This discovery is the first Jewish sanctuary found in Jerusalem in the history of archaeological research, and one of the few discovered in Eretz Israel. Archaeologists suggest that in the 8th century BC, during the religious reform of King Hezkiah (Hezekiah), who concentrated the cult in the Temple on the Temple Mount, the sanctuary was filled up.
The complex, with an area of about 220 square meters, includes eight rooms carved into the rock, intended for various ritual purposes. Among them are an oil press, a wine press, a room with a channel for draining liquid, which researchers believe to be an altar, as well as a vertical stele, presumably a matzeva, symbolizing the deity.
In one of the rooms, channels in the shape of the Latin letter V were found in the floor. The purpose of these structures has not yet been established, but Shukrun suggests that they could serve for the installation of religious utensils.
Near the complex, a stone-cut cave was found containing artifacts dating back to the 8th century BC, including cooking cauldrons, jars with early Hebrew inscriptions, weights, scarabs, signet rings and millstones.
“The use of this building ceased in the 8th century BC, probably after the reform of Hezkiyah, who ordered the destruction of the sanctuaries, leaving only the Temple. We know about the existence of such sanctuaries from Scripture. Then it was filled up. We began excavations in 2010 and were surprised by the preservation of the complex, including the matzeva,” Shukrun said.
Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu noted:
“The structure discovered in the City of David testifies to the rich history of Jerusalem. Such discoveries confirm our roots and the thousand-year connection of the Jewish people with Jerusalem.”
Earlier, “Cursor” reported that the ancient mosaic in Israel amazed with its splendor
