Discovery of a Prehistoric Dam Near the Site Associated With Jesus’ Miracle of Healing a Blind Man

Rising close to forty feet high and extending the length of a small building, the newly revealed dam is now recognized as the largest ancient structure of its kind in Israel and the oldest ever found in Jerusalem.

Archaeologists date its construction to around 805–795 BC, likely during the reign of King Joash or King Amaziah. The massive barrier was designed to control the waters of the Gihon Spring, shielding the city below from sudden flooding.

Its scale points to a society responding to environmental pressure. Irregular rainfall, flash floods, and the threat of destruction appear to have driven leaders to invest in bold, large-scale engineering.

The dam was uncovered only steps away from the Pool of Siloam, a site closely associated with a miracle described in the Gospel of John. The proximity creates a tangible connection between sacred texts and the physical remains of the ancient city.

This discovery strengthens the link between biblical narratives and archaeology, turning stories once read as distant history into something grounded in stone and landscape.

It also joins a growing collection of findings—lost fortifications, submerged settlements, and forgotten infrastructure—that continue to reshape understanding of the region’s past.

Standing beneath Jerusalem’s walls, the dam reminds us that history is not silent. Through these remains, the ancient world continues to speak with clarity and weight.