Archaeologists make major discovery near biblical pool, where Jesus healed the blind man

Excavation tent: courtesy of Nathan Steinmeyer BAS

A New Discovery That Brings the Bible to Life

Archaeology in Israel never fails to astonish — and the latest discovery is no exception. In Jerusalem’s ancient City of David, archaeologists have unearthed a massive structure near the Pool of Siloam, believed to be the largest of its kind ever found in Jerusalem. Dating back nearly 2,800 years, this remarkable find offers a rare glimpse into the world of the Bible, shedding new light on the faith, daily life, and ingenuity of the people who once walked these storied streets. It’s one of those extraordinary moments where history, faith, and science converge to tell a story that captivates both scholars and believers alike.

The 2800-year-old dam wall discovered in the City of David from the time of the biblical Kings -Courtesy Emil Aladjem IAA

The Ancient Dam Near the Pool of Siloam

A monumental dam has been uncovered near the Pool of Siloam, one of the most meaningful locations in Christian tradition. This is the very pool mentioned in the Gospel of John, where Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth (John 9). Recent studies by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Weizmann Institute of Science date the dam to around 805–795 BCE, during the reigns of Kings Joash or Amaziah of Judah. Measuring roughly 12 meters high, over 8 meters wide, and 21 meters long, it is now recognized as the largest and oldest dam ever discovered in Jerusalem, with its full extent likely stretching beyond what has been excavated so far. The dam was built to collect water from the Gihon Spring and manage floodwaters from the ancient Tyropoeon Valley, channeling them safely into the Kidron Stream. In other words, it was an ingenious solution to both drought and flash floods—showing how resourceful the people of Biblical Jerusalem were nearly 2,800 years ago. Dr. Nahshon Szanton, Itamar Berko, and Dr. Filip Vukosavović, the directors of the excavation, described the find as a “dual solution for water shortages and flood management, reflecting the ingenuity of Jerusalem’s ancient communities.” The discovery will be featured at the upcoming City of David Studies conference and was recently published in the prestigious PNAS scientific journal.

 Fresco of The Healing of the Blind Man and the Raising of Lazarus

Why This Matters for Faith and History?

Standing at the Pool of Siloam or walking through the City of David, it’s easy to feel the Bible come alive. This dam isn’t just a piece of ancient stone – it’s a bridge connecting us to the real world of Scripture.
That’s why Christian tours to Israel are so much more than sightseeing. Each stop gives you a chance to step into the pages of the Bible and experience history and faith intertwined, seeing firsthand how people in Biblical times overcame challenges with ingenuity and faith.

Close up of the dam wall. Courtesy-Emil-Aladjem-IAA

Experience the Holy Land Yourself

Every year, discoveries like this inspire believers from around the world. Imagine standing where Jesus healed the blind man, knowing that right beside you lies a 9th-century BCE dam—evidence of the people, ingenuity, and faith behind the stories you’ve read in the Bible.

Our Holy Land tours take you to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and many other sacred sites where miracles occurred, prophecies were fulfilled, and history continues to reveal the truth of Scripture.  This incredible breakthrough near the Pool of Siloam is just one more reason why visiting Israel is a transformative experience. Come see history and faith meet- right where it all began.