Peering over this wall, you might not guess at the history hidden within Hizkyahu’s Pool. This pool whispers tales of kings, ancient water systems and hidden tunnels. It is a story etched in stone and shadowed by the buildings that now surround it.
Hizkyahu’s Pool is located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. It was once a vital reservoir. It formed a key part of the city’s ancient water system.
King Hezekiah likely built Hizkyahu’s Pool around 700 BC. This is mentioned in the Books of Kings. The pool served as a meeting point. King Hezekiah met messengers from the King of Assyria right here.
Later, the pool was connected to the Mamilla Pool. Herod the Great built the Mamilla Pool during the first century BCE. An underground conduit fed water to Hizkyahu’s Pool. Parts of this conduit still exist today.
Hizkyahu’s Pool is quite large. It measures 240 feet by 140 feet. Its capacity is estimated at nearly three million US gallons. The pool’s bottom is cemented and leveled natural rock.
The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus called this pool Amygdalon. This means almond tree in Greek. But it’s believed he derived this name from the Hebrew word migdal. Migdal means tower. So, the original name may have been Pool of the Tower.
Hizkyahu’s Pool has other names. It is also known as the Pool of Pillars. Another name is the Pool of the Patriarch’s Bath.
Despite its historical importance, Hizkyahu’s Pool has faced neglect. For a time, it became a garbage dump. But cleanup efforts have been made.
Today, Hizkyahu’s Pool is dry. Buildings surround it on all sides. Many tourists pass by without realizing its significance. This hidden reservoir has never been fully examined archaeologically. It remains a secret beneath the surface of Jerusalem.
Imagine King Hezekiah standing here. Picture the ancient engineers designing the water systems. Hizkyahu’s Pool is a reminder of Jerusalem’s enduring history. This pool is a testament to human ingenuity. It connects us to the past.