Israeli archeologists have discovered a major drain system that served Jerusalem during Second Temple period up until the Roman destruction in 70 AD.
A large section of the central drain was discovered and opened up to the media on Sunday. The massive tunnel, which is lined with huge stone slabs, was used to drain rainwater from the western quarters of the city, as well as from the Temple Mount. The water was deposited in the Kidron River, which leads to the Dead Sea.
During the Roman siege of Jerusalem, the drain provided shelter for many Jews, who later escaped through the city's southern gates. A large amount of coins and pottery shards from the period were found in the drain.