Sunday, October 23, 2011

Ancient ritual bath found near Kibbutz Tzora

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A ritual bath or mikve dating back to the Second Temple period was exposed during an archaeological excavation north of Kibbutz Tzora.

The excavation was conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority ahead of the installation of a water line by the Mekorot company. A square structure with three walls treated with a thin layer of plaster that facilitated the storage of water was found as well as a channel used to drain water into the ritual bath. A plaster floor and three stairs descending from it t the west were also exposed.

Archaeologist Pablo Betzer said it was the first time that any remains dating back to the Second Temple period had been discovered in the region. A Jewish community existed in the area he said until the destruction of Temple in 70 CE.

http://www.tzora.co.il/