Archaeologists Uncover 'Impressive' Winery and Roman Bathhouse

JERUSALEM, Israel – Archaeologists digging under a former orphanage and military base in Jerusalem uncovered what they called surprising finds.

Near a Second Temple period mikveh, or Jewish ritual bath, they discovered a "large and impressive" wine press and a unique Roman bathhouse. Terra cotta pipes that would have brought hot air into the bathhouse to heat it are still intact.

The winery dates to the Roman or Byzantine period some 1,600 years ago.

Archaeologist Amit Re'em says ceramic and glass vessels were also found.

"Everything is an evidence that nearly 2,000 years ago, the Roman 10th legion arrived to Jerusalem and after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD probably the soldiers occupied this house, and we find archaeological evidence from this period," he said.

"This is the magic of Jerusalem," he added. "Everything is layers upon layers in one place."

Re'em says he hopes the place will become an archaeologist park for nearby residents and others to enjoy.