1,500-Year-Old Pool Discovered in Israel May Hold Biblical Significance

Audio By Carbonatix

An exciting new discovery has been made at Ein Hanniya Park in Israel, according to FoxNews.com. The discovery consists of a system of ancient pools which were built during the Byzantine era, dating back to between the fourth and sixth centuries A.D.

The Israel Antiquities Authority is in charge of the discovery, and reported that artifacts such as a rare silver coin, part of a pillar, pottery, and glass were all found at the site.

Irina Zilberbod, the excavation director for the Israel Antiquities Authority, explained the significance of the discovery:

“The most significant finding in the excavation is a large and impressive pool from the Byzantine period.This pool was built in the center of a spacious complex at the foot of a church that once stood here. Roofed colonnades were built around the pool that gave access to residential wings.”

It is thought this ancient pool may be where Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40.

“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him” (verses 36-38).

“The baptism of the eunuch by St. Philip was one of the key events in the spread of Christianity. Therefore, identifying the place where it occurred occupied scholars for many generations and became a common motif in Christian art,” added Jerusalem District Archaeologist Dr. Yuval Baruch.

Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/campuinfoto

Publication date: February 1, 2018