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Israel discovers ancient quarry
Source: Agencies |
July 7, 2009, Tuesday
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ISRAELI archaeologists have uncovered an ancient quarry where they believe King Herod extracted stones for the construction of the Jewish Temple 2,000 years ago, the Israel Antiquities Authority said yesterday.
The archaeologists believe the 100-square-meter quarry was part of a much larger network of quarries used by Herod in the city. The biggest stones extracted from the quarry would have measured 3 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 2 meters high.
The archaeologists said the size of the stones indicates they could have been used in the construction of the Temple compound, including the Western Wall, a retaining wall that remains intact and is a Jewish shrine.
"The dimensions of the stones that were produced in the quarry that was revealed are suitable for the Temple walls," said Ofer Sion, the dig's director.
The two-week excavation, which was conducted before construction begins on an apartment complex at the site, also uncovered pottery, coins and what appear to be tools used in the quarry dating to the 1st century BC.
"Finding a large quarry related to the largest building project ever undertaken in Jerusalem ... that's more than just another discovery," said archaeologist Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University, who was not involved in the excavation.
Excavation at the site is almost complete, and the Israel Antiquities Authority said construction of the apartments would begin in the coming weeks.
Because of the amount of ancient remains in Israel, builders are required to carry out a salvage excavation before beginning construction. Such digs regularly turn up important finds.
The archaeologists believe the 100-square-meter quarry was part of a much larger network of quarries used by Herod in the city. The biggest stones extracted from the quarry would have measured 3 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 2 meters high.
The archaeologists said the size of the stones indicates they could have been used in the construction of the Temple compound, including the Western Wall, a retaining wall that remains intact and is a Jewish shrine.
"The dimensions of the stones that were produced in the quarry that was revealed are suitable for the Temple walls," said Ofer Sion, the dig's director.
The two-week excavation, which was conducted before construction begins on an apartment complex at the site, also uncovered pottery, coins and what appear to be tools used in the quarry dating to the 1st century BC.
"Finding a large quarry related to the largest building project ever undertaken in Jerusalem ... that's more than just another discovery," said archaeologist Aren Maeir of Bar-Ilan University, who was not involved in the excavation.
Excavation at the site is almost complete, and the Israel Antiquities Authority said construction of the apartments would begin in the coming weeks.
Because of the amount of ancient remains in Israel, builders are required to carry out a salvage excavation before beginning construction. Such digs regularly turn up important finds.
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