The Israeli Antiquities Authority announced on Tuesday that archaeologists found a rare ancient archeological structure in Jerusalem that almost certainly was used as a toilet. It is presumed to be more than 2,700 years old and dates back from the period of the First Temple.
The structure, made from limestone, was found in a royal estate in an area that overlooks the Temple Mount. It was located in a rectangular-shaped room and was linked to a deep septic tank underneath carved in bedrock.
Animal bones and pottery, including ornate stone capitals and small columns from a window balustrade, reminiscent of the First Temple period were also found near the site.
The excavation project was initiated by the City of David (Ir David) Foundation, and funded by the Jerusalem Municipality and Israel’s Ministry of Tourism.