Archaeologists uncover ancient stones in Jerusalem

A significant archaeological excavation at a large quarry located in Mount Hotzvim, Jerusalem, has unveiled new findings related to the Second Temple period, a time when Jesus walked the Holy Land. The excavation has exposed massive building stones, measuring approximately 8 feet in length, 4 feet in width, and 1 foot in thickness. According to excavation managers Michael Tchernin and Lara Shilov from the Israel Antiquities Authority, these stones were likely intended for use in state construction projects in Jerusalem during the late Second Temple period. The excavation suggests that some of the stones may have been used as paving slabs for the streets of Jerusalem. This hypothesis is supported by previous discoveries in the City of David, where archaeologists uncovered a paved street known as the "via pilgrims," which dates to the same period. Remarkably, the paving stones from this street share identical dimensions and geological characteristics with those found in the quarry at Har Hotzvim. In 2019, Israel opened the "Pilgrim's Road," believed to be the path Jesus walked in ancient Jerusalem, further enhancing the site's historical significance. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman remarked on the importance of these findings, stating that they allow people to immerse themselves in the biblical environment of the time. Shilov also noted the discovery of a stone tool used by the Jewish community during the Second Temple period, which may have been crafted locally or brought to the site for the quarrymen's use. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Israel Antiquities Authority for further comments on these findings.