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Jerusalem is reviving its proud history! Archaeological artifacts more than 1,600 years old were discovered in Jerusalem while constructing a residential complex – a real estate development which aims to synthesize historical preservation with modern building. M. Sharp

The Legendary Schneller compound, located in the heart of Jerusalem, provokes nostalgia among residents of Geulah and Meah Shearim, due to its rich history. It has housed, among other things, the famed Schneller Orphanage and a longstanding I.D.F. base. Six years ago, the Rother-Highgates group acquired this historic location, with the intent of turning the Schneller compound into a neighborhood of luxury residences for the Charedi community – Merom Yerushalayim.

The Schneller complex’s fascinating history stretches back to Jerusalem’s earliest recorded days. In 1860, the Schneller orphanage was established, one of the first structures to be built outside the old city walls. The orphanage catered to children of a various nationalities and it employed mostly German teachers. With the advent of World War Two, the British Mandate deported the German teachers, closed down the orphanage and turned the compound into a massive military camp. In 1948 the British withdrew from the camp, abandoning it to the Etzioni brigade of the Hagana. The camp eventually served as a base for the Israeli

Defense Forces until 2008, when the historic army base was disbanded. But apparently, the Scheller Compound’s history begins much earlier than the 19th century. As construction of the Merom Yerushalayim project advanced, reaching 600 residential units, the Israeli antiquities authority conducted archeological excavations at the site – discovering astonishing artifacts from more than 1600 years ago.

During the archaeological digs in this area, numerous and varied pieces of Jerusalem’s past were discovered, most notably a large and impressive winepress from the Roman or Byzantine eras. Archaeologists believe that the presses served the residents of large manor houses whose inhabitants made their living, in part, from wine production.

Near the winepresses, evidence of ancient bathhouses was unearthed, in the form of ceramic pipes used for heating water, and clay bricks – some of which bear a stamp with the name of the tenth Roman legion. This legion was one of four Roman legions who participated in the conquest of Jewish Jerusalem. His units remained in the city until roughly 300 AD.

One of this Roman legion’s main manufacturing centers of pottery and bricks was located in the area where Binyanei Hauma currently stands. The present-day excavation at the Schneller compound is a mere 800 meters from Binyanei Hauma, lending further authenticity to the finds.

The recent archeological dig is actually a continuation of ‘rescue excavations’ which were conducted at the site six months ago, when evidence of Jewish settlement during the Second Temple era was discovered.

According to Alex Wigman, appointed director of the excavation by the Israel antiquities authority, “Turn over any stone in Jerusalem and you will find ancient relics related to its glorious past.” Says Wigman, “the archaeological finds paint a picture of a vibrant, active Jerusalem, from ancient times through modern times.”

According to the words of Jerusalem district archaeologist Amit Reem; “This is an excellent example of the cooperation and the deep, close ties that the (archaeological community) has with the charedi community. The public is used to hearing about the struggles between archaeologists and charedim around the issue of (the desecration of) graves. They’re not aware of the daily interactions we have (with charedim), or the interest expressed by the charedi sector regarding this topic.”

Of course, The “Merom Yerushalayim” complex, being built atop this area, aims to preserve the historic character of the site. According to the developers, the significance of the land being developed adds flavor and meaning to this momentous project.