01/05/2024
The Tunnel of Hezekiah, also known as Hezekiah’s Tunnel or the Siloam Tunnel, is a remarkable archaeological and engineering marvel located in Jerusalem, Israel. It’s believed to have been constructed around 701–681 BC during the reign of King Hezekiah, as a response to the impending Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.
The tunnel was built to divert water from the Gihon Spring, which was located outside the city walls, into the Pool of Siloam, providing a secure water source within the fortified city. The construction involved digging through solid rock for a distance of approximately 533 meters (1,749 feet) from two opposite ends, meeting in the middle.
What’s particularly fascinating is that the tunnel was dug entirely by hand tools, without the aid of modern technology. Archaeological evidence suggests that the workers started from both ends and somehow managed to meet in the middle with impressive precision, despite the technological limitations of the time.
The tunnel itself is a winding, narrow passage, varying in height and width, which adds to its mystique. Inscriptions found within the tunnel provide insights into its construction, detailing the meeting point of the two teams of workers