Five years ago, archaeologists uncovered the ruins of a structure from the late Second Temple period but were unable to determine its purpose. Now, writes Nir Hasson, they believe they have solved the mystery. (Free registration required.)
The structure consists of two large rooms connected by a water system that featured a decorative fountain. Archaeologists have been in agreement that this was a large, opulent building from the Herodian period, perhaps the most opulent beyond the confines of the Temple Mount. . . .
Joseph Patrich of Hebrew University and Shlomit Wexler-Bedolah of the Israel Antiquities Authority say this was the triclinium, the site of the dining halls and reception areas of the city council of Jerusalem at the time. In some respects, that would make it, like today’s Knesset cafeteria, the ultimate meeting place of the ruling elite. . . .
A sophisticated water system was discovered between the rooms that includes a reservoir, piping, and six openings for fountains. The structure, discovered in the course of the tunnel excavations, is the largest and most impressive Herodian structure ever discovered in Jerusalem.
Read more on Haaretz: http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/archaeology/.premium-1.744288