Ancient discovery from time of Jesus emerges near Jerusalem’s Temple Mount

Archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have uncovered a well-preserved ritual bathing complex in the Ophel, just south of the Temple Mount. Dating to the early first century AD, it likely served Jewish pilgrims seeking purification before visiting the Second Temple, and offers evidence of practices that helped shape Christian baptism.

The complex includes three large ritual baths, a plastered pool, a paved plaza and an extensive water system. One bath stands nearly 14 feet tall and retains its vaulted ceiling and water shaft, while coins from the First Jewish Revolt indicate the site was in use around Jerusalem’s destruction by Roman forces in 70 AD. An older purification facility beneath it suggests ritual bathing took place there from at least the first century BC; there is no evidence that Jesus visited the site.