New evidence of the destruction of the Second Temple has come to light in the City of David, with an ongoing excavation conducted by the Israeli Antiquities Authority in the City of David National Park. This excavation has revealed ancient remains, shedding light on the landslides caused by the Roman destruction of Jerusalem.

Among the findings is a remarkable discovery of a 2,000-year-old coin, minted by Jewish rebels three years prior to the city's final destruction. The coin's center bears a piercing, indicating that it may have been used as a pendant on a chain, carried by either a Jew or a Roman as a souvenir of significant historical events.

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The excavation also exposes the remnants of buildings that collapsed adjacent to the "Pilgrims Road," which served as the principal street of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. Inside one of these excavated buildings, a wealth of artifacts has been uncovered, offering insight into the daily lives of the city's residents just before the devastating destruction. These include charcoal chips from burned wooden beams, fragments of decorated stone tools, a stone weight, a spinning wheel, and a basalt grinding bowl. Additionally, a coin dating back to the second year of the Great Revolt, featuring the inscription "For the Liberation of Zion," was also unearthed.

Yaniv David Levy, a researcher in the Coins Branch of the Antiquities Authority, observed the intentional piercing of the coin and noted that such a practice was likely to facilitate its use as a pendant or ornament. While the exact identity of the individual who wore the coin remains unknown, Levy drew parallels to similar historical instances, where families kept coins from significant eras as cherished mementos.

“A new excavation of an ancient Jerusalem road expected to draw modern-day pilgrims”. Got a sneak peak at this myself recently…all I can say is touching, beautiful and timeless! https://t.co/nLThrCUVLx

— Mark Andrew Green (@AmbassadorGreen) July 10, 2023

Eli Eskosido, the Director of the Antiquities Authority, commented on the significance of these findings. He emphasized the rarity of physically connecting with the ruins of ancient Jerusalem and underscored the importance of tangible evidence in understanding historical events, particularly those that led to the observance of the fast of the 9th of Av. Eskosido urged reflection upon the echoes from the past, especially during times of internal division, emphasizing the need to strive for unity and connection in the present.

In 70 CE, Titus destroyed the Second Temple and imposed a tax on all Jews in the Roman Empire in response to the Jewish siege of Jerusalem. Emperor Vespasian minted coins with the inscription Judaea Capta (Captive Judea) to circulate the news of the failed revolt. #TishaBAv pic.twitter.com/SljT3nMCcc

— The Magnes (@magnes) July 27, 2023

The ongoing excavation in the City of David continues to provide invaluable insights into the ancient history of Jerusalem, enriching our understanding of the past and its relevance to contemporary challenges. As these discoveries unfold, they stand as a testament to the enduring importance of preserving and studying our cultural heritage.