A colossal quarry dating to the late Second Temple period is unveiling its ancient mysteries after two thousand years of obscurity.

Discovered in Jerusalem’s Har Hotzvim industrial zone, the dig led by Israel’s Antiquities Authority spans approximately 3,500 square meters. The quarry supplied stones for expanding the Temple Mount, reconstructing the Temple itself, and erecting various palaces and fortifications.

Among the most captivating finds are massive building stones, some reaching an impressive 2.5 meters in length, 1.2 meters in width, and 40 centimeters in thickness. Archaeologists have also revealed quarrying and cutting trenches, offering invaluable insights into ancient stone extraction techniques. Enhancing the site’s historical narrative, a stone tool commonly used by the Jewish population during the Temple era was discovered.

Particularly intriguing is the unearthing of an intact stone purification vessel which was concealed for 2,000 years.

Jerusalem’s Second Temple period witnessed a flourishing Jewish culture, with King Herod the Great initiating grand construction projects. The city, often referred to as the “City of David,” drew skilled artisans and builders from far and wide, profoundly shaping its architectural landscape.

“During his reign, a series of impressive public buildings were built throughout the city, requiring a huge supply of high-quality construction stones,” IAA researcher Michael Chernin said in a statement.

“Monumental construction projects continued in the city under his successors as well. The most important of these projects was the construction of the city’s ‘Third Wall’ by Herod’s grandson King Agrippa I, who reigned between 37-44 CE.”

Some of the ancient tools discovered will be available to the public at in Jerusalem’s National Archaeological Campus.