After 3.000 years, a biblical sanctuary has been opened, revealing secrets and mysteries preserved for millennia. A historical event that fascinates scholars and religious people.
A shrine sealed nearly 3 years ago has been unearthed in the heart of ancient Jerusalem, near the Temple Mount. Carved directly into the rock, the structure It contains eight interconnected rooms and ritual items such as an altar, a sacred stone and presses used for the production of olive oil and wine.
The discovery was published in the journal Atiqot, from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), and has already sparked discussions among historians and archaeologists.
Experts suggest that the site may have been mentioned in biblical accounts, linked to the religious reforms of King Hezekiah.
Eli Shukron, director of the excavation, said the structure was deactivated in the 8th century BC, during the reign of Hezekiah, who sought to centralize worship in the temple in Jerusalem.The Bible describes how Hezekiah abolished ritual sites throughout the kingdom. This sanctuary is possibly one of the sites he closed.”, explains Shukron.
Biblical and historical connection
Hezekiah, described in the Second Book of Kings as someone who “removed the high places and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord“, would have suppressed pagan worship practices. The discovery reinforces this narrative.
Interestingly, the sacred stone at the site remained intact, covered by earth, and preserved exactly as it was 2.800 years ago.It is one of the most dramatic and significant discoveries we have ever encountered.”, emphasizes Shukron.
In addition to the sacred stone, the site contains an altar identified by a drainage channel, evidence of sacrifices carried out in the past.
In another room, V-shaped marks were discovered on the floor, the function of which is still a mystery. They may have served as supports for rituals.
Hidden treasures
Archaeologists also found valuable artifacts, sealed by a stone wall in an adjacent cave. Among the items unearthed are jars with ancient Hebrew inscriptions, loom weights, scarabs, decorative seals and grinding stones used for grain.
These pieces, dating back to the 8th century BC, offer a glimpse into the daily life and spirituality of that time.
Excavations at the site, located in the so-called City of David, began in 2010. However, historical records indicate that the northern part of the ruins was revealed in 1909 by Montague Parker, a British explorer in search of the legendary Ark of the Covenant.
Historical implications
The location of the sanctuary, close to the Temple Mount, reinforces its historical and religious importance.
Amichai Eliyahu, Israel’s Minister of Heritage, highlighted the value of the discovery: “This unique structure in the City of David is a testament to Jerusalem’s rich past. It makes our historical and cultural roots tangible, connecting us to thousands of years of history.”
The evidence found not only sheds light on aspects of the religious life of the ancient Kingdom of Judah, but also confirms biblical accounts of the reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah. Both, according to the Gospel of Matthew, are direct ancestors of Jesus.
Although the site has been decommissioned, the preservation of the sacred stone and other ritual elements is a powerful reminder of the complex intersections between faith, culture, and politics in the ancient Middle East.
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