New discovery near the bath where Jesus healed a blind man (6 photos)

Archaeologists have discovered an ancient dam within the Jerusalem Walls National Park, not far from the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man. The discovery dates back to the 9th century BCE, making it approximately 2,800 years old. Experts believe it may have been built during the reign of King Jehoash or Amaziah.





The Pool of Siloam, rediscovered in 2004, was fed by the Gihon Spring. The Gospel of John recounts the miracle of the healing of a blind man at the pool.

"Then they asked him, 'How were your eyes opened?'" (John 9:10).

"He answered, 'A man called Jesus made clay, anointed my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed, and received my sight" (John 9:11).



The Israel Antiquities Authority and the Weizmann Institute of Science conducted a joint study that discovered the dam. It turned out to be the largest in the history of Israel and the oldest in Jerusalem.

The stone structure is approximately 12 meters high, 21 meters long, and 8 meters wide.





Scientists have determined the dam's age using branches added to the mortar by the builders. It turns out it was built between 805 and 795 BCE.

"The dam was built to collect water from the Gihon Spring, as well as floodwaters flowing down the main valley of ancient Jerusalem," the excavation directors stated.

"All the evidence suggests that Israel experienced a period of drought, punctuated by heavy rainfall, often resulting in flooding. This suggests that the construction of large water supply systems was a direct response to climate change and arid conditions."



IAA Director Eli Escusido, in a statement, called the dam "one of the most impressive and significant monuments from the First Temple period in Jerusalem."

He continued: "In recent years, Jerusalem has opened up to the world as never before, with all its eras and cultures. New discoveries await us."



Jerusalem, often mentioned in the Bible, is rich in ancient history. This year, evidence of the existence of an ancient garden was found in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In August, archaeologists discovered a bronze coin, approximately 2,000 years old, minted shortly before the destruction of the Second Temple—an event predicted by Jesus Christ.