Sunday in Jerusalem... 01-18-09

South wall of Temple Mount

Al Aqsa M0sque

Ruins from Temple Mount

Uncovered at the Western Wall of Temple Mount

Steps leading up to Temple Mount
and the Hulda Gates

Sunday we went to the Archeological Park at the southwest corner of Temple Mount where they have done extensive digging. We were able to see stairs going up the Temple Mount and the gates that opened into a tunnel that went up to the Temple Mount. We also saw Mikvas - ritual baths for purification before going up to sacrifice at the Temple. We had visited this site 16 years ago when the dig had just started. It was pretty exciting walking on the steps leading up to the Hulda Gates. These very steps were here in the first century... hmmm wonder if Jesus stepped where we walked. They were buried when the Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 AD and remained buried until just recently.

Al at the top of the stairs leading up to the Hulda Gates