Massive newly-unearthed complex may shed light on how Jewish pilgrims prepared to enter the Temple
The discovery was made during five seasons of excavations, directed by Prof. Uzi Leibner and Prof. Orit Peleg-Barkat of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology
Assessment
A large complex near the Temple Mount has been uncovered, and its purpose appears tied to purification rituals for pilgrims. The scale of the site suggests organized preparation was a major logistical operation, not just a personal religious act. Watch for whether the excavators can link specific features like pools or storage to textual descriptions of pilgrimage procedures.