A magnificent banquet hall with a modern fountain and luxurious hot tub has been unearthed in Israel, astonishingly well-preserved after being buried for 2,000 years.
According to Ancient Origins, Israeli archaeologists recently announced a spectacular discovery at the Old City of Jerusalem, where an extravagant structure has come to light after decades of searching and excavation.
The banquet hall remains in good condition after 2,000 years, preserving many amenities and decorative structures that are not much different from modern times – (Photo: IAA).
This 2,000-year-old banquet hall is expected to be opened to tourists as part of the “Western Wall Tunnels” tour organized by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation of Israel.
According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the splendid banquet hall is part of a vast architectural complex, the first remnants of which were discovered in the mid-19th century. Between 2007 and 2012, archaeologists attempted to excavate a tunnel along the underground portion of the sacred Western Wall (the Wailing Wall), uncovering strange structures beneath the modern buildings of Jerusalem.
The newly introduced banquet hall was built around 20 AD during the Roman occupation, and it still contains numerous coins and pottery scattered throughout. The grand room measures 24.5 by 11 meters and is divided into two identical East-West halls connected by a beautifully decorated corridor.
In Haaretz, the IAA describes the discovery as a prime example of luxurious architecture from the Second Temple period. In addition to the walls and beautiful columns, the banquet hall features a complex fountain. A pool with steps was also added to the western hall, possibly serving as a ritual bath for the privileged, allowing them to enjoy and connect with the divine.
The banquet hall was abandoned around the 7th century and gradually sank into the earth as new urban structures elevated the city’s foundation. However, thanks to the solid construction techniques of the Romans, the main structures remain perfectly preserved.
