Rivlin to preside over dedication of new archeological garden at the Knesset

50 architectural artifacts in the garden, almost all of which are being shown for the first time, include a stone from the Temple Mount wall from the Second Temple period.

By ETGAR LEFKOVITS
second temple stone 248.88 (photo credit: Courtesy )
second temple stone 248.88
(photo credit: Courtesy )
Seeking to strengthen the connection between the past and the present, a new archeological garden will be inaugurated on Tuesday at the Knesset. The garden, which has been dubbed "Peace within Thy Palaces - Jerusalem Antiquities at the Israel Knesset," is divided into six sections ranging in date from the time of the Second Temple until the Ottoman period, the Antiquities Authority said. The 50 architectural artifacts in the garden, almost all of which are being shown for the first time, include a stone from the Temple Mount wall from the Second Temple period. They impart a broad picture of the architectural construction in Jerusalem over the years, the state-run archeological body said. Also on display are an olive press, ancient inscriptions, mosaics and a large Ottoman drinking installation - all uncovered during archeological excavations in the country. The garden's flora include plants that were characteristic of the Land of Israel in ancient times. The construction of the garden, which was carried out with funding from an American Jewish philanthropist, took nearly a year. The dedication ceremony on Tuesday will be presided over by Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin. The garden, which is handicapped-accessible, will be open to the public via advance coordination with the Knesset.