The Tunnel of Hezekiah, also known as Hezekiah’s Tunnel or the Siloam Tunnel, is an extraordinary archaeological and engineering achievement located in Jerusalem, Israel. It is believed to have been constructed between 701 and 681 BC during the reign of King Hezekiah, as a strategic response to the impending Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.
The tunnel was designed to divert water from the Gihon Spring, situated outside the city walls, into the Pool of Siloam, thereby providing a secure water source within the fortified city. This impressive construction involved digging through solid rock for a distance of approximately 533 meters (1,749 feet), starting from two opposite ends and meeting in the middle.
What makes the tunnel particularly fascinating is that it was dug entirely with hand tools, without the aid of modern technology. Archaeological evidence suggests that the workers began from both ends and, despite the technological limitations of the time, managed to meet in the middle with remarkable precision.
The tunnel itself is a winding, narrow passage that varies in height and width, adding to its mystique. Inscriptions found within the tunnel offer insights into its construction, detailing the point where the two teams of workers met.