Archaeologists have unearthed steps from the Biblical Pool of Siloam in ancient Jerusalem that have not seen daylight for more than 2,000 years. The holy place is important for Christians and Jews. According to the New Testament, Jesus made a blind man see again.
Eight steps descending to the Pool of Siloam have been excavated at the City of David, the archaeological site in Jerusalem. They had not been seen for more than 2,000 years, since the time Jesus lived.
The Pool of Siloam was dug about 2,700 years ago as part of the then water system in Jerusalem in the eighth century BC. The construction, commissioned by King Hezekiah of Judah, is said to have taken place in several phases and was ultimately estimated to cover more than 5,000 square meters.
The Gospel according to John describes how Jesus healed a blind man. Jesus spat on the ground to make mud with the mixture of his saliva and sand. He applied the mud to the eyes of a man born blind. He then had to wash in “the bathhouse of Siloam”. This happened and the blind man could see again.
A small part of the Silo Basin had already been completely excavated and had been accessible to the public for several years. The vast majority of it is currently being uncovered, with the aim of opening up the entire pond to what is expected to be millions of tourists visiting Israel.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.