First Temple Period Archaeological Site Inaugurated

(June 21, 2011)

On June 21, 2011, a large complex of ruins from the First Temple period called the Ophel City Walls was inaugurated in the Walls Around Jerusalem National Park. The site contains mikvaot (ritual baths), store rooms, a watchtower and royal buildings and is the area believed to be the Water Gate mentioned in the Bible. Dr. Eilat Mazar of Hebrew University, who uncovered the site, believes the area is described in the Torah in the verse about King Solomon's temple: “...and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower” (Nehemiah 3:26).

The site will be open to the public as part of the Davidson Center Archaeological Garden.