Huge Second Temple-era quarry unearthed in Jerusalem

(JNS) — A massive quarry dating to the Second Temple period has been uncovered in Jerusalem, offering a new glimpse into the capital’s ancient past, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Thursday.

The quarry, which was unearthed in the city’s present-day Har Hotzvim industrial park several weeks ago, is one of the largest ever found in Jerusalem, the state-run archaeological body said.

Two stone vessels, impervious to ritual defilement according to Jewish law, were uncovered at the site. According to the IAA such vessels always signal the presence of a Jewish population.

During the exc...