Ancient Spring Tunnels of Jerusalem, Israel: Physical, Spatial, and Human Aspects

A comprehensive analysis of ancient spring tunnels in the Jerusalem Hills reveals significant spatial and hydrological patterns, particularly their accessibility to the Old City of Jerusalem. The study, which examined 130 springs—70 with tunnels and 60 without—highlighted a strong correlation between karstic aquifers overlying the Moza geological formation and the development of these tunnels during Iron Age II (8th century BCE). These findings underscore the strategic importance of Jerusalem’s eastern hinterland, aligning with its rich archaeological record. The research employed statistical analysis of 21 parameters across three categories: geological-geomorphological, physical-hydrological, and spatial, providing new insights into the role of spring tunnels in ancient agricultural systems and settlement establishment.

Yechezkel, A., Frumkin, A., & Tzionit, S. (2021). Ancient Spring Tunnels of Jerusalem, Israel: Physical, Spatial, and Human Aspects. Environmental Archaeology, 27(3), 323–341. https://doi.org/10.1080/14614103.2021.1888613