Mysterious ancient hand print discovered in Jerusalem – in pictures

Carving revealed during excavation of a 1,000-year-old moat

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  A handout photo made available by the Israel Antiquities Authority on 25 January 2023 shows a hand imprint carved in a deep 1,000-year-old rock-hewn moat that were both uncovered next to the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority excavation director Zubair Adawi, the uncovered moat is located just underneath the street. 'People are not aware that this busy street is built directly over a huge moat, an enormous rock-hewn channel, at least 10 m wide, and between 2–7 m deep. The moat, surrounding the entire Old City, dates back about 1,000 years to the 10th century CE or earlier, and its function was to prevent the enemy besieging Jerusalem from approaching the walls and breaking into the city. Moats, usually filled with water, are well-known from fortifications and castles in Europe, but here the moat was dry, its width and depth presenting an obstacle slowing down the attacking army. ' EPA / Yoli Schwartz / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY / NO SALES

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  Excavation director Zubair Adawi said that the uncovered moat is right underneath the street and surrounds the entire Old City

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  'People are not aware that this busy street is built directly over a huge moat, an enormous rock-hewn channel, at least 10 metres wide and between 2-7 metres deep', Mr Adawi said

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  'The moat dates back about 1,000 years to the 10th century or earlier. It prevented the enemy besieging Jerusalem from approaching the walls and breaking into the city'.

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  'Moats, usually filled with water, are well-known from fortifications and castles in Europe. But, here the moat was dry, its width and depth presenting an obstacle slowing down the attacking army' said Mr Adawi

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