Excavators recently uncovered a "mysterious and impressive" ancient tunnel in Jerusalem, not far from archaeological sites tied to the biblical Kingdom of Judah.The discovery was announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in a May 14 statement.The tunnel was found near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, an archaeological site tied to the biblical-era Kingdom of Judah, according to previous IAA excavations.TOURISTS WALK PILGRIMAGE ROAD FROM JESUS' ERA FOR FIRST TIME IN 2,000 YEARS: 'DEEPLY SIGNIFICANT'The rock-hewn tunnel is about 164 feet long and was found ahead of construction on a new residential neighborhood north of Ramat Rachel.The tunnel is around 16 feet tall and roughly 10 feet wide — and officials note that the rock-cutting "was executed meticulously."The newly discovered underground passage was found during excavations ahead of construction near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel in Jerusalem.(Israel Antiquities Authority)"The tunnel itself was discovered filled with layers of soil that had accumulated over hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years," the IAA said."It is clear that whoever carved this tunnel invested tremendous effort [and] careful planning, and possessed the capabilities and resources necessary to achieve this goal."FORBIDDEN PASSAGE? SECRET MEDIEVAL TUNNEL FOUND BENEATH ANCIENT PAGAN GRAVES, ARCHAEOLOGISTS SAYExcavation directors Sivan Mizrahi and Zinovi Matskevich told the IAA the discovery was unexpected."We were excavating in relatively rocky and exposed terrain when suddenly we discovered a natural karstic cavity," the pair said in a joint statement."To our amazement, as the excavation progressed, this cavity developed into a long tunnel.
Parts of it are still collapsed, so the tunnel has not yet revealed all of its secrets.""Usually we have explanations for the discoveries we uncover, but sometimes, as in this case, we stand astonished and amazed."In 2020, IAA excavations near Ramat Rachel revealed seal impressions and structures tied to t...