Rare stone box from the Second Temple period discovered in the City of David

A rare multi-compartment stone container, dating back to the days of the Second Temple, used for commercial activity, was burnt evidence of the destruction of Jerusalem about 2,000 years ago., is being revealed to the public for the first time at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. The unusual and rare box was discovered during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities in the City of David part of the Jerusalem Walls National Park, funded by the City of David Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage.

The square box measuring 30 x 30 cm, was carved from soft limestone and divided inside into nine equal sized compartments. The multi-compartment container was discovered in a destruction layer inside an ancient store dated to the end of the Second Temple period that once stood alongside the Pilgrimage Road in the City of David. The sides of the box are blacked, indicating that is was burnt perhaps during events of the Great Jewish Revolt, which ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem.