Sultan’s Pool

Did the stones of Sultan’s Pool ever whisper secrets of chariot races? Here at Sultan’s Pool, imagine the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowds. This area, nestled in the Hinnom Valley beneath Mount Zion, wasn’t always a tranquil pool. It was likely a hippodrome during the time of Herod the Great. Josephus Flavius, the famous historian, even mentions Herod’s construction of a theater and amphitheater. Could this be the very spot? Fast forward through time. The hippodrome transformed. A dam was built, creating Sultan’s Pool, a vital part of Jerusalem’s water system from Roman times until the late Ottoman period. The “lower aqueduct,” a marvel of Roman engineering, brought water from Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem, looping around Sultan’s Pool before continuing to the Temple Mount. Imagine the constant flow of water, sustaining life in the city above. The Ottomans, particularly Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, left their mark on Sultan’s Pool. They reinforced the dam and built a sebil, a beautiful drinking fountain that still stands today. Its inscription boasts of Suleiman’s grand gesture, providing fresh water for the people. Today, Sultan’s Pool has found a new voice. It no longer hosts chariot races or stores water. Instead, it echoes with music. The stage is set against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s ancient walls. From Dire Straits to Leonard Cohen, the pool resonates with the performances of world-renowned artists. This ancient site has witnessed a vibrant tapestry of history. From sporting spectacle to essential infrastructure, from tranquil reservoir to modern-day performance venue, Sultan’s Pool continues to captivate.