Ancient Dam Discovered Near Biblical Site in Jerusalem

A team of archaeologists has uncovered a massive 2,800-year-old dam in Jerusalem’s City of David, just steps from the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus is said to have healed a blind man.

According to the Gospel of John, Jesus told the blind man to go to the pool, located inside the Jerusalem Walls National Park, a site of major biblical significance. John 9:10–11 recounts:
“‘How then were your eyes opened?’ they asked. He replied, ‘The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.’”

Details of the Discovery

The discovery, announced on August 30, comes from a joint excavation by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and the Weizmann Institute of Science. The dam dates back to the 9th century BC, likely built during the reign of King Joash or King Amaziah.

Researchers say this is now the largest ancient dam found in Israel and the oldest known in Jerusalem. The stone structure measures approximately 39 feet tall, 69 feet long, and 26 feet wide. Using preserved twigs and branches in the mortar, scientists pinpointed its construction to 805–795 BC.

Purpose of the Dam

Why was it built? Experts suggest it was Jerusalem’s response to a climate crisis. The dam collected water from the Gihon Spring and controlled floodwaters in the city’s main valley.

“The dam addressed low rainfall interspersed with short, intense storms,” the excavation directors explained. “Large-scale water systems like this were a direct response to arid conditions and climate change.”

Significance and Historical Context

Eli Escusido, director of the IAA, called the find “one of the most impressive and significant First Temple-period remains in Jerusalem.” He added, “Jerusalem continues to reveal surprises, and many discoveries still await us.”

This revelation follows other significant finds in the region, such as an underwater city near Lake Van, linked to the story of Noah’s Ark. Such discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of biblical history and ancient civilizations.