Excavation Site of Pool of Siloam Where Jesus Cured a Blind Man to Open to Public

Catholic News Agency ^ | 1/7/23 | Staff

[marshmallow]

CNA Newsroom, Jan 7, 2023 / 09:00 am The excavation site of the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem, the place where Jesus restored sight to a blind man, will be open to the public for the first time.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the Israel National Parks Authority, and the City of David Foundation announced the start of excavations that will allow the complete exposure of the Pool of Siloam.

Visitors will be able to see the stage of the excavation of the pool that in the coming months will form part of the tourist route from the City of David to the Western Wall of Jerusalem.

According to the Old Testament, the Pool of Siloam was built during the reign of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:20).

The pool is the site of one of the most famous miracles performed by Jesus.

After Jesus smeared the eyes of a blind man with mud and saliva, he sent him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. There the man recovered his sight (John 9:1–7).

In 1980, archaeologists found the first indications of the location of this celebrated biblical site located outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. However, they had to wait until 2005 to officially confirm their rediscovery.

“According to estimates, the Pool of Siloam went through multiple stages of development, and at the height of its glory was approximately the size of 5 dunams (1.25 acres), and inlaid with impressive flagstones,” the spokesperson for the IAA explained.

Excavations also revealed that the pool was 225 feet wide, and that there were steps on at least three sides of the pool.

[jjotto]

The excavation of at least part of the Pool of Bethesda can also be visited.

[faucetman]

Is the blind man still there?

[SunkenCiv]

The rest of Pool of Siloam the keyword, sorted:

• Archaeologists Find Rare 'Balm of Gilead' Gemstone Near Jerusalem's Western Wall [10/24/2021]
• Ancient Jerusalem Road Leading to Holy Temple Unveiled [07/02/2019]
• Finding the Pool of Siloam: Historicity of the Gospel of John [02/01/2016]
• Biblical Pool of Siloam uncovered in Jerusalem [02/24/2006]
• True size of Pool of Siloam discovered due to sewer blockage [12/24/2005]
• Archeology Proves Bible History Accurate [11/13/2005]
• Raiders Of The Lost Pool (New finds bolster the historicity of John's gospel) [10/27/2005]
• Raiders of the Lost Pool [of Siloam] [10/27/2005]
• Recent Archaeological Discoveries in Israel Pertain to King David, Jesus [08/20/2005]
• Pool of Siloam, Where Jesus Healed Blind Man, Uncovered [08/12/2005]
• Biblical Pool Uncovered in Jerusalem [08/09/2005]
• Biblical Pool of Siloam Is Uncovered in Jerusalem [08/08/2005]
• Archaeologists Identify Remains of Site Where Bible Says Jesus Restored Blind Man's Sight [12/23/2004]

[Varda]

As I recall the pool was found using the Gospel of John. It initiated a discussion about whether the Gospel of John was the oldest New Testament document.