INN is reporting about a great find near Yerushalayim. In the course of preparing tracks for the new light-rail system in Yerushalayim, remains of an ancient, post Bayis Sheni community just north of the Kosel have been uncovered.The law requires “rescue digs” before any major construction work in Yerushalayim and environs, and while doing so have found a major set of remains of a Jewish town from post-Bayis Sheni times. A long strip of land, 100 acres in size, has been uncovered in which can be seen roads, alleys, houses, public buildings, a mikveh, and more.

The community was located east of the old Roman highway leading from Yerushalayim to Shechem (roughly along the same route as today’s Highway 60). Evidence shows that the community – the largest from that period yet uncovered in the Jerusalem vicinity – was inhabited by a well-to-do and religiously observant populace. In addition to the mikveh, many stone utensils were found.

(INN)