Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) revealed in early August the discovery of the largest quarry in Jerusalem from the Second Temple period.

Ongoing revelations from excavations in Jerusalem’s Har Hotzvim neighborhood revealed a slew of building stones within the quarry site that ranged in size but were mostly massive, according to the IAA. Researchers believe some stones were likely used as paving slabs throughout Jerusalem’s streets at the time.

“Each such quarried block weighed two-and-a-half tons! The impressive size stones this quarry produced likely attests to their intended use in one of Jerusalem’s many royal construction projects in the late Second Temple period, beginning under King Herod the Great’s reign between 37-4 BCE,” said excavation directors Michael Chernin and Lara Shilov. “Historical sources tell us that Herod’s construction projects in Jerusalem included, first and foremost, the expansion of the Temple Mount area and the Temple itself.” (RELATED: Ancient Fortifications Discovered In Holy Land Reveals Hidden History)

Researchers also found a stone vessel within the quarry “hidden in a corner for two thousand years.” It’s believed to be a purification vessel commonly used during the Second Temple period.

Discoveries made by the IAA at another site, known as the “Pilgrims Road” also date to around the Second Temple period. And the stone slabs within the paved street match slabs revealed from the Har Hotzvim site, the IAA noted. (RELATED: The Most Incredible Biblical Discoveries Of 2023)

The road was walked by Jesus Christ and His disciples and connects to the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus performed one of his miracles — returning sight to the blind, The Christian Post noted. Site excavations are ongoing. And like most of the archaeological digs in Israel, it is likely to keep revealing incredible things into the future.