Ancient Ritual Structure from the First Temple Discovered in Jerusalem

Archaeologists have uncovered a rare and significant ritual structure in the eastern section of the City of David, located within the Jerusalem Walls National Park. The ancient site, dated to the First Temple period, provides an unprecedented look into the religious practices of the people of Judah.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), led by archaeologist Eli Shukron, began excavations in 2010. The structure, carved into rock and spanning approximately 220 square meters, dates back to the 8th century BCE, a time when Judah’s kings reigned.

Researchers believe it was used for rituals, making it the first site of its kind discovered in Jerusalem.

Ritual structure from the first temple found in Jerusalem

The structure features eight rooms, each with unique elements tied to ancient practices. Among the discoveries are an altar with a carved channel for draining liquids, a tall upright stone associated with rituals, and tools like a winepress and olive press.

In one room, archaeologists noted mysterious V-shaped marks on the floor, possibly used to secure a stand for religious ceremonies.

Near the edge of the site, a small cave contained artifacts that offered more insights into life during this period.

Items included cooking pots, jars inscribed in ancient Hebrew, loom weights for weaving, decorative seals, scarabs, and grinding stones for milling grain. These finds provide a glimpse into the daily and ceremonial life of the time.

Religious reforms of King Hezekiah

Shukron noted that the site appeared to have been sealed and abandoned in the 8th century BCE. He linked its closure to the religious reforms of King Hezekiah, who centralized worship at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Historical texts describe Hezekiah’s efforts to eliminate scattered ritual sites across Judah, encouraging worship in a single sacred location. This marked a pivotal shift in the region’s religious practices.

“When we began excavating the City of David in 2010, we discovered that the site had been sealed with fill from the 8th century BCE, indicating it was abandoned at that time,” Shukron said. “The vertical stone remained in its original place, and the other rooms of the structure were surprisingly well-preserved.”

While the full scope of the site was only recently uncovered, part of its northern section was first discovered in 1909 by British explorer Montague Parker, who was searching for the Ark of the Covenant. However, it was through the IAA’s extensive excavations that the site’s purpose and significance were fully understood.

The findings are detailed in an article published in ‘Atiqot, a scientific journal. The publication is part of an IAA initiative to make its research publicly accessible, sharing Jerusalem’s ancient history with a wider audience.