Solomon's Pools
Bethlehem
Solomon's Pools are a complex of three large ancient reservoirs located near Bethlehem in the West Bank. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, modern scholarship dates their construction to the 2nd century BCE, possibly by Hasmonean rulers or Herod the Great. These pools, rectangular and trapezoidal in shape, were engineered to collect and store water from several springs and rainwater runoff. They fed two main aqueducts that transported water to Jerusalem during the late Second Temple period, supplying the Temple Mount and possibly Herod's Palace. The pools are arranged in a stepped formation allowing water to flow from one to the next, with a total capacity exceeding 290,000 cubic meters. Their engineering highlights the advanced water management systems of the period, including a low-gradient aqueduct stretching over two kilometers to Jerusalem. The site also includes remains of a British-era pumping station and a Turkish fort, illustrating its continued strategic importance over centuries. Today, Solomon's Pools stand as a remarkable archaeological and historical site reflecting ancient ingenuity and cultural significance in the region.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit Solomon's Pools is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Visitors should consider arranging guided tours to fully appreciate the historical context and engineering marvels. It is advisable to check opening hours and local access regulations in advance. While no specific ticket prices are mentioned, discounts may be available for groups or students. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain. Early morning visits can offer a quieter experience and better light for photography.
Fatti interessanti
- •The pools have a combined capacity of over 290,000 cubic meters, equivalent to around 75 million US gallons.
- •They supplied water to Jerusalem via two aqueducts, including the Low-level Aqueduct delivering water directly beneath the Temple Mount.
- •The pools are positioned with a roughly 6-meter drop between each, allowing gravity-fed water flow.
- •Traces of five aqueducts connected to the pools have been discovered, indicating complex ancient water management.
- •The site includes remains of a Turkish fort and a British pump station, demonstrating its historical strategic importance.
Storia
Although traditionally linked to King Solomon, archaeological evidence dates Solomon's Pools to the 2nd century BCE, built during the Hasmonean period or possibly by Herod the Great.
They were integral to the water supply system of Jerusalem in the late Second Temple period, feeding aqueducts that supplied the Temple Mount and Herod's Palace.
Over centuries, the pools remained vital, with additions such as British pumping stations in the 20th century.
The site reflects continuous use and strategic importance from ancient times through Ottoman and British periods.
Guida del luogo
Upper Pool2nd century BCE
The highest of the three reservoirs, partly hewn from bedrock and partly constructed, serving as the initial water collection point.
Middle Pool2nd century BCE
The central reservoir that receives water from the upper pool and passes it down to the lower pool.
Lower Pool2nd century BCE
The lowest reservoir in the system, from which water was distributed via aqueducts to Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Low-level Aqueduct1st century BCE
An ancient aqueduct built around the 1st century BCE that carried water from Solomon's Pools to cisterns beneath the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Turkish Fort and MuseumOttoman period
Ruins of a Turkish-era fortification near the pools, now hosting a museum detailing the site's history and water system.
Contatto
Telefono: 02 277 0376