An ancient pagan shrine allegedly sealed by the ancestors of Jesus Christ has been discovered in the heart of Jerusalem after being preserved for nearly 3,000 years, according to a report. New York Post. The religious temple is carved into the rock near the Temple Mount and is composed of an altar, a sacred standing stone (Masseba) and eight rooms with presses for olive oil and wine.
The structure, dating from the First Temple period, was uncovered during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in the City of David, the findings of which were published in a scientific journal. overcoat,
According to archaeologists, the complex was probably constructed in the Middle Bronze Age, with its final phase in the Iron Age IIB. The destruction of the Temple may have been mentioned in the Bible in the description of how Jesus’ ancestor Hezekiah destroyed pagan places of worship.
“According to the Bible, Hezekiah sought to centralize worship at the Temple in Jerusalem, thereby eliminating ritual sites scattered throughout the kingdom. The Bible describes how, during the First Temple period, the Temple Additional ritual sites operated outside,” said Eli Shukron, excavation director for the IAA.
“It says that two kings of Judah – Hezekiah and Josiah – implemented reforms to eliminate these sites and concentrate worship in the Temple.”
The Gospel of Matthew identifies both Hezekiah and Josiah as grandfathers of Jesus.
‘The ritual was performed’
Mysterious V-shaped carvings were visible on the floor of one room, the purpose of which is still unclear. According to Mr Shukron, these carvings may have served as the basis for a tripod – a three-legged installation used for ritual activities.
“In light of the significant evidence of worship in the limited area of the rockcut rooms, we suggest that this area was used for ritual activity in the Iron Age, perhaps for a temple,” the researchers said.
The agricultural establishments recorded in the various rooms were apparently used for the benefit of Massaba (a sacred standing stone used as a representation of God in ancient cultures) worship, the report said.
In particular, the complex ceased to be used “in an organized and systematic manner, conserving and preserving important ritual objects in the complex” in the middle of the eighth century BC.
