After descending a set of ancient stairs from the surface, archaeologists found themselves standing at the hewn opening of the tunnel, found to be filled with hundreds of years of ancient sewage.
The analysis found that the crannog started out as a circular wooden platform, measuring at around 23 meters across, and topped with brushwood.
Tyrian’s costly nature comes from the difficulty of its creation - made in a process similar to that of tekhelet, the blue dye traditionally used in Judaism to color strings of the tzizit.
Professor Ibrahim Mustafa, head of the archaeological mission and director of the Central District, stated that initial restoration work for the artifacts has already started.
The cup is decorated with red, green, turquoise, and blue enamel, all arranged in geometric patterns, including fish scales and tower motifs that are believed to represent the wall itself.
According to the study, the grave predates the Black Death burial pits from medieval Europe by approximately 800 years.
The discovery comes as part of an ongoing study using CT scans to order to analyze the remains of six different mummies, the oldest of which dates back approximately 2,300 year.
According to the IAA, the study aims to examine Jerusalem's administrative systems from the First Temple period through the end of the Second Temple period.
Burda added that visitors to the site will be able to learn about the bath’s significance, its place within daily life, and “momentarily experience the religious and social reality of that era.”
All 32 of the items were found in excellent condition and believed to have belonged to a gold necklace or pendent.
The New Testament manuscript, also known as Codex H, was lost in the 13th century after it was disassembled at the Great Lavra Monastery on Mount Athos in northeastern Greece.
