Researchers Uncover Ancient Worship Site Near First Temple in Jerusalem

Archaeologists have uncovered a 3,000-year-old ritual site near Jerusalem’s Old City, marking the first known discovery of a religious structure in the area dating back to the period of the First Temple, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced on Tuesday.

The 220-square-meter (2,370-square-foot) structure, located on the eastern slope of the City of David, was used for worship before King Hezekiah centralized religious practices at the Temple Mount in the 8th century BCE.

The multi-room building features eight rock-hewn chambers containing artifacts such as an altar, a standing stone (used in religious ceremonies), an oil press, and a winepress. The IAA described the site as “exceptionally well-preserved,” noting that it was likely abandoned and sealed off during King Hezekiah’s religious reforms.

“The Bible describes how, during the First Temple period, additional ritual sites operated outside the Temple,” said excavation director Eli Shukron. “This building was likely one of the ritual centers closed as part of Hezekiah’s efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem.”

The structure remained undisturbed for centuries, allowing archaeologists to study it in situ, an uncommon find for First Temple-era sites.

Each room in the building appears to have served a distinct purpose. Key discoveries include:

• A carved installation with a drainage channel, likely used as an altar.

• Mysterious V-shaped carvings in the floor, possibly for a ritual tripod.

• A large standing stone for religious activities.

• A small cave containing cooking pots, inscribed jars, loom weights, scarabs, stamped seals, and grinding stones.

The site also included installations for producing oil and wine, essential elements in ritual ceremonies of the time.

The structure dates to the 8th century BCE, a period when worship was not yet centralized. According to the Bible, Kings Hezekiah and Josiah implemented reforms to eliminate local ritual sites and concentrate religious activity at the Temple Mount.

Archaeologists believe the site was deliberately walled off during Hezekiah’s reign as part of these reforms. “The standing stone remained upright in its original place, and the other rooms were also well-preserved,” Shukron explained.

Located in the City of David, a prominent archaeological park adjacent to the Old City, the site offers a rare glimpse into the early religious practices of Judah’s inhabitants. The findings have been published in the IAA journal ‘Atiqot.

Plans are underway to open the site to the public, though no timeline has been announced. Shukron hinted at the potential for further discoveries, noting, “There is always the possibility of finding more there are always surprises.”

This remarkable find sheds light on the spiritual life of ancient Jerusalem and deepens our understanding of the region’s rich biblical history.

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