First Temple-Era Tunnel Unearthed In Jerusalem's City Of David

From Travel Video TV:

Dec 04, 08 2:51 pm

A remarkable discovery has been made this month in Israel, as archaeologists have uncovered a three millennia-old water tunnel during excavations at the City of David in Jerusalem. The water tunnel is believed to be the "tsinnor" mentioned in the Old Testament's account of King David's conquest of Jerusalem, approximately 3,000 years ago.

The tunnel, composed of stones and bedrock, was discovered under a large stone structure. The find also included complete oil lamps believed to indicate the tunnel's last use as a hidden escape passage and are characteristic of the end of the First Temple period."The discovery of the tunnel in the City of David will add some additional excitement to an already extraordinary year for archaeological discoveries in Israel," says Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America. "And with Israel celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, travelers will have even more reason to visit these historic artifacts in Jerusalem."The excavations were conducted for the fourth year by Dr. Eilat Mazar on behalf of the Shalem Center and the IR David Foundation and under the academic auspice of the Institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.For more details of the excavations, visit http://www.cityofdavid.org.il/