Ancient Roman Theater Uncovered At Western Wall
Image by Israel Antiquities Authorities
JERUSALEM (JTA) — An ancient Roman theater and eight stone courses, or layers of cut stone, were uncovered in excavations in the Western Wall Tunnels in Jerusalem.
The preserved archeological discoveries were unveiled to the media on Monday by the Israel Antiquities Authority, following work to remove an 8-meter layer of earth under Wilson’s Arch, the only intact, visible structure remaining from the Temple Mount compound of the Second Temple period. The arch served as a passageway for people entering the Temple Mount compound and the Temple. An aqueduct also passed over the arch.
The discovery of the 200-seat theater structure from the Roman period confirms historical writings that describe a theater near the Temple Mount, the IAA said in a statement. The excavations under Wilson’s Arch were undertaken with the intent to date the arch, according to the IAA.
The structures were built following the destruction of the Second Temple, when Jerusalem became the Roman colony of Aelia Capitolina.
“From a research perspective, this is a sensational find. The discovery was a real surprise. When we started excavating, our goal was to date Wilson’s Arch,” site excavators Dr. Joe Uziel, Tehillah Lieberman and Dr. Avi Solomon said in a statement.
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning journalism this Passover.
In this age of misinformation, our work is needed like never before. We report on the news that matters most to American Jews, driven by truth, not ideology.
At a time when newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall. That means for the first time in our 126-year history, Forward journalism is free to everyone, everywhere. With an ongoing war, rising antisemitism, and a flood of disinformation that may affect the upcoming election, we believe that free and open access to Jewish journalism is imperative.
Readers like you make it all possible. Right now, we’re in the middle of our Passover Pledge Drive and we still need 300 people to step up and make a gift to sustain our trustworthy, independent journalism.
Make a gift of any size and become a Forward member today. You’ll support our mission to tell the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
Join our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
Only 300 more gifts needed by April 30
