2,000-Year-Old Mikveh Discovered on Ancient Road to Jerusalem

A large ancient mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), believed to have served pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, has been uncovered during a community archaeological excavation in Gush Etzion.

The excavation was carried out by the Staff Officer for Archaeology in cooperation with local teenagers as part of the “Derech Eretz Moreshet” heritage project. The discovery was made along Derech Ha'Avot, the Path of the Patriarchs, an ancient route connecting Hebron and Jerusalem.

The newly uncovered mikveh features a distinctive design, including two entrances and a continuous partition dividing the steps leading down to the water into two separate pathways. It was discovered near another ritual bath previously excavated in the area.

Archaeologists believe the mikveh dates to the Second Temple period and may have served Jewish pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to visit the Temple.

Its location outside the boundaries of the ancient settlement supports the theory that it was intended not only for local residents, but also for travelers who needed to undergo ritual purification before entering the Temple.

The discovery offers another glimpse into Jewish life during the Second Temple period and the preparations pilgrims made as they journeyed to Jerusalem.