Pool of Siloam Discovery "Phenomenal, Monumental"

Teresa Neumann : Aug 23, 2005
Religion Journal, Bible Places.com

Steven Ortiz, associate professor of biblical archaeology and director of the Center for Archaeological Research at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, told Baptist Press that he is convinced the authentic Pool of Siloam has been unearthed.

"I've seen it. It's a phenomenal, monumental pool," said Ortiz.

According to an article in the September/October 2005 issue of Biblical Archeology Review by editor Hershel Shanks, some workers were repairing a sewage line with heavy equipment last summer when they uncovered what appeared to be two steps.

Archeologists believe that the pool was at least 225 feet wide at one point, and steps were on at least three sides of the pool. The report notes that this particular Pool of Siloam, used in Jesus' day, is different from one that tourists normally visit today, which Ortiz says was built during the Byzantine era at the presumed original site.

"The traditional pool that everyone currently goes to visit is much smaller, and this newly excavated pool is at least five times as large," he noted, adding, "This summer has been a phenomenal time for Jerusalem archaeology."

The BiblePlaces.com website also contains an article about the pool which they believe to be the true Pool of Siloam. They include many fascinating photos of the traditional site in early times and today, as well as the above mentioned excavation and discovery. Follow the link below to view the photos.