Finds from the First and Second Temple periods, and even earlier, will be accessible in the Archaeological Garden at Kibbutz Ramat Rachel in Jerusalem, which will be officially dedicated tomorrow. The site is a joint project of the kibbutz, the Tourism Ministry, the Jewish National Fund, and the Israel Antiquities Authority. The garden will be officially dedicated tomorrow in the presence of President Moshe Katzav.
The Ramat Rachel archaeological site is one of the more significant landmarks in the Jerusalem area. It includes an Iron Age royal palace and citadel built most probably by King Jehoiachin of Judea; finds from the Persian period; a columbarium and ritual baths from the Second Temple period; a villa and bathhouse of the Roman Tenth Legion; and more from later periods. It is the only site in Jerusalem where one can see finds from periods ranging from the ninth century B.C.E. until almost 3,000 years later. The project presents a novel approach that integrates archaeological excavations, conservation, and development works, creating a delicate balance between the landscape and the site’s historical elements. Pedestrian paths were paved, look-out posts from 1948 were renovated, and an observation point and a promenade were constructed. The site, operated and maintained by Ramat Rachel, will be open to the public and free of charge.
The Ramat Rachel archaeological site is one of the more significant landmarks in the Jerusalem area. It includes an Iron Age royal palace and citadel built most probably by King Jehoiachin of Judea; finds from the Persian period; a columbarium and ritual baths from the Second Temple period; a villa and bathhouse of the Roman Tenth Legion; and more from later periods. It is the only site in Jerusalem where one can see finds from periods ranging from the ninth century B.C.E. until almost 3,000 years later. The project presents a novel approach that integrates archaeological excavations, conservation, and development works, creating a delicate balance between the landscape and the site’s historical elements. Pedestrian paths were paved, look-out posts from 1948 were renovated, and an observation point and a promenade were constructed. The site, operated and maintained by Ramat Rachel, will be open to the public and free of charge.