1205 – Western Wall Excavation Plans

In 2004, the last time I talked with Jerusalem archaeologist Dan Bahat, he told me about his plans to excavate under the western wall plaza. It seemed like a pretty ambitious plan, but now there are reports that the excavations just might happen. People would still be able to pray at the wailing wall, a platform would be cantilevered out over the excavation area. If the plans proceed as outlined, the first century street that runs along the western wall may be uncovered from the SW corner all of the way to the Via Dolorosa. Meanwhile, other excavations near the Pool of Siloam are revealing the other end of the street. Perhaps it will be uncovered all of the way from the Pool of Siloam to the western wall at some point.