2,000-year-old ‘Pilgrim’s Path’ opens in Jerusalem

An ancient road inbuilt the times of Jesus that led from the Pool of Siloam as much as the Jerusalem Temple Mount has been opened to the general public for the primary time.

The so-called “Pilgrim’s Path” is believed to have been built on the orders of King Herod or Pontius Pilate. Archaeologists have spent 20 years excavating the road, which runs underneath a predominantly Palestinian neighbourhood.

Among the finds discovered where a Jewish ritual bath and a podium, possibly used for public announcements or scripture reading. Many of the finds have been in relatively good condition as, counterintuitively, the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans ensured that the road was not worn down by use.

Work on the road has been controversial, with many Palestinian residents concerned that the excavations going down underneath their homes could present a danger to the buildings. To counter such concerns, the newly opened street is in a tunnel of concrete and metal that ought to support the buildings above.

Further controversy has been generated by the indisputable fact that the excavations have taken place on disputed territory in east Jerusalem.

Despite the controversy, the road has been opened to tourists, with each Jews in search of to attach with their ancient history, and Christians wishing to walk the identical paths as Christ, showing an interest.

The Times of Israel spoke to a few of the first people to walk the trail.

Israeli resident Shira Greenspan said, “It was just the most important honour to be among the many first people to rewalk these steps … I believed it was identical to an ideal mix of experiential, funny, and meaningful. It didn’t feel dry; it felt alive and real. You’re suddenly connected across 1000’s of years. It’s just breathtaking.

“To be here with Jews and non-Jews from all around the world makes you are feeling like you’re a bit of stone in a giant story,” she added.