A large structure unearthed across the street from the City of David Visitors Center, beneath the Givati parking lot near the Dung Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem may have been a Second Temple-period mansion belonging to Queen Helene of Adiabene. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) made the announcement on Wednesday.
Adiabene was a kingdom on the upper Tigris river. Queen Helene and her son, Monbaz II, converted to Judaism about 2,000 years ago, moved to Jerusalem, and built mansions in the City of David. Stories about her are recorded in the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds, as well as the Mishna (Tractate Yoma), which mentions her generous contributions to the poor of Jerusalem, and to the Temple. Her donations to the Temple include a gold chandelier and a gold plaque inscribed with the biblical portion regarding the legal procedures for a "sotah" (adulteress). She is also known for assisting the Jews of Jerusalem during the Great Revolt against Rome.
The excavation has revealed a massive foundation, walls up to 5 meters high, arched ceilings, remnants of frescoes and mikvehs (ritual baths), as well as pottery, stone vessels, and coins dating to the end of the Second Temple period.