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A 164-foot underground tunnel was found near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, in Jerusalem, during excavations before the construction of a new neighborhood, and intrigues researchers due to its size, careful planning, and still unknown purpose.
A 164-foot underground tunnel (50 meters) was found near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, in Jerusalem, during excavations carried out before the construction of a new neighborhood, surprising archaeologists due to its size, careful planning, and unknown purpose.
The discovery occurred in a rocky and exposed area, when the team found a natural karstic cavity. As the work progressed, the cavity revealed a longer structure, partially collapsed.
The work was conducted by Dr. Sivan Mizrahi and Zinovi Matskevich, directors of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority. They stated that parts of the tunnel remain blocked, preventing a complete reading.
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Underground tunnel has not yet revealed its age
A staircase descended to a carved opening, connected to the underground tunnel filled with layers of soil accumulated over centuries or millennia. The exact age remains undefined, although nearby Iron Age sites raise possibilities.
The structure reached 16 feet in height and 9.84 feet in width at some investigated points. For the archaeologists, the excavation was carried out meticulously, indicating planning, considerable effort, technical knowledge, and resources.
This sophistication increased the mystery. Researchers discuss whether the tunnel was a water installation, an agricultural or industrial structure, a work related to stone extraction, or even a project started and never completed.
Hypotheses about water, agriculture, and extraction
The possibility of water supply was considered because the underground tunnel is wide and impressive. However, the walls showed no signs of water damage, and there are no known sources in the area.
The hypothesis of underground agricultural or industrial use was also debated. Even so, the scale of the structure and its regional uniqueness made archaeologists leave this explanation open, without confirmation so far.
Currently, one of the ideas being analyzed is that the tunnel was created to reach a chalk layer suitable for extracting construction stones or for lime production. A shaft carved in the ceiling may reinforce this interpretation.
This shaft may have served for ventilation and debris removal. The discovery, presented during Jerusalem Day week, was described as an example of historical preservation linked to modern urban development.
The Israel Land Authority highlighted that the neighborhood combines urban growth and heritage. For researchers, the underground tunnel adds to frequent discoveries in Jerusalem and shows that the city holds surprises.
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