Archaeologists uncovered a treasure trove of artifacts in a 2,000-year-old drainage channel beneath Jerusalem’s streets, revealing a vivid narrative of prosperity, decay, and ultimate destruction during the Second Temple period, the Israeli Antiquities Authority announced on Tuesday.

The announcement coincided with Tisha B’Av, which marks the destruction of the First and Second Temples, and other tragedies which occurred on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av.

The channel served as a critical subterranean artery beneath the bustling markets of Jerusalem’s main street, running the entire length of the City of David.