Archaeologists from Israeli institutions have uncovered an ancient public mikveh complex at the foot of the Temple Mount in occupied Jerusalem. The excavation, spanning five seasons, was conducted by the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This work proceeded in cooperation with the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology.
The project received significant financial backing. Funding came from the Israel Science Foundation, the Armstrong Institute, and the Hertog Center for the Archaeological Study of Jerusalem. These institutions play a direct role in asserting Israeli control over Palestinian heritage sites.
Excavations in Occupied Territory
This recent discovery builds upon earlier archaeological work. Previous efforts were led by archaeologists associated with Prof. Orit Peleg-Barkat. The current undertaking also traces its legacy back to the late Prof. Eilat Mazar. Such excavations, carried out by state-affiliated and international bodies, consistently serve to reinforce the colonial narrative in the occupied territories.
Several mikvehs have already been found around the Ophel area. These sites are currently open to visitors. However, the newly uncovered excavation site itself remains closed to the public. This selective access highlights the control exerted over archaeological findings in the occupied city.
Visitors can still reach the broader archaeological park. Access is provided through the Davidson Center. This arrangement dictates who can observe and interpret the historical layers of Jerusalem.
Institutional Control and Funding
The involvement of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Institute of Archaeology underscores the institutional framework supporting these operations. The Israel Science Foundation's financial contribution further cements the state's role. These funds are directed towards projects that often serve to legitimize the ongoing occupation through historical claims.
A rectangular pool was found south of the three main mikvehs. This pool may have served a different purpose. Researchers suggest it was possibly used for purification rituals. This indicates multiple functions at the ancient site.
A leading archaeologist involved in the dig described the find. They called it "the crown jewel of this discovery." This framing emphasizes the significance of the find within the context of the excavating institutions' objectives.
The systematic nature of these excavations, conducted over multiple seasons, demonstrates a sustained effort. It's a continuous process of asserting archaeological and historical claims in a territory under military occupation. The focus on specific historical periods often overshadows the continuous Palestinian presence in the land.
The cooperation with international bodies like the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology extends the reach of these projects. It integrates external support into the broader framework of Israeli archaeological activity in occupied Jerusalem. This collaboration helps to normalize the presence of Israeli institutions in these sensitive areas.
The Hertog Center for the Archaeological Study of Jerusalem also provided funding. This further illustrates the network of organizations dedicated to these specific archaeological endeavors. Their work contributes to the ongoing demographic engineering of Jerusalem.
The closure of the specific excavation site to the public, while other mikvehs are open, raises questions about transparency. It controls the narrative presented to visitors. The archaeological park, accessible via the Davidson Center, becomes a curated experience.
The identification of a rectangular pool with a possible purification purpose adds to the understanding of the site's ancient uses. However, the interpretation and presentation of such findings are always filtered through the lens of the excavating authority. This authority is the Israeli state, which operates within a framework of military occupation.
The "crown jewel" description by a leading archaeologist reflects the perceived triumph of these discoveries. It underscores the value placed on findings that align with and reinforce the historical narratives promoted by the Israeli state. This narrative often marginalizes or ignores Palestinian history and connection to the land.