A historic road in Jerusalem dating back to the first century and linking the Pool of Siloam to the foot of the Temple Mount, has officially opened to the public after 13 years of excavation. Archaeologists say the ancient Temple Mount road was once the main path for pilgrims heading to the Jewish temple during the Second Temple period.
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) led the excavation, working in partnership with the City of David, which operates the national park where the road is located.
The project uncovered the full stretch of the stone-paved route, which had been buried under centuries of rubble and destruction. Both organizations announced the opening in a joint post on social media, calling the moment a long-awaited milestone nearly 2,000 years in the making.
Archaeological finds reveal religious and daily life
Researchers found hundreds of artifacts during the dig, including coins and a weighing table, pointing to the road’s role in both religious and commercial life. Beneath the surface, an ancient drainage channel was also discovered.
A truly historic moment – the newly opened Pilgrimage Road at the City of David is welcoming visitors for the first time in nearly 2,000 years.
This stone-paved path once carried pilgrims from the Pool of Siloam up to the Temple Mount for Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, alive… pic.twitter.com/U8q2DuGfRU
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) January 29, 2026
Evidence suggests Jewish rebels used the tunnel during the Great Revolt, according to the City of David. Items such as cooking pots, oil lamps, bronze coins, and even a Roman legionnaire’s sword were recovered from the passage.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman described the discovery as one of the most important archaeological finds in the world, viewing it as strong historical support for the Bible’s accuracy.
Leaders praise the significance of the ancient Temple Mount road
The road was officially inaugurated in September 2025 during a ceremony attended by several high-profile officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the occasion to highlight the Jewish people’s historic bond with Jerusalem and pledged that the city would remain unified.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the site an extraordinary example of shared heritage. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee emphasized that the excavation gives voice to history, saying the discovery allows the past to speak through its stones.
Others in attendance included IAA Director Eli Escusido, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon and various government representatives. The unveiling of the ancient Temple Mount road has been hailed as a significant moment in reaffirming Jerusalem’s historical and cultural legacy.
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