Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably intact 2,000-year-old Jewish ritual mikveh, known as a mikveh, from the time of Jesus Messiah, in Kiryat Gat, about 35 miles southwest of Jerusalem. The discovery dates back to the Second Temple period and provides evidence of a Jewish settlement in an area that was previously unknown. Archaeologists have also uncovered ancient stone measuring tools related to the purity laws of the Jewish religion. The structure, weighing 25 tons, was carefully lifted from the excavation site by a massive crane in September to protect it during the construction of a new neighborhood. The Israeli authorities plan to return it to its original location and display it in a public space.

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably intact 2,000-year-old Jewish ritual mikveh, known as a mikveh, from the time of Jesus Messiah, in Kiryat Gat, about 35 miles southwest of Jerusalem. The discovery dates back to the Second Temple period and provides evidence of a Jewish settlement in an area that was previously unknown. Archaeologists have also uncovered ancient stone measuring tools related to the purity laws of the Jewish religion. The structure, weighing 25 tons, was carefully lifted from the excavation site by a massive crane in September to protect it during the construction of a new neighborhood. The Israeli authorities plan to return it to its original location and display it in a public space.