file_zpsdd8376e3 For people that have been to Jerusalem, there was a blog post written this morning by Todd Bolen that should make you chuckle a bit. He referenced a story about a Hasmonean village that has been found in a Jerusalem neighborhood. It was found because they happen to be doing some digging under a modern road.

In the city of Jerusalem, you can see hundreds and hundreds of years of history above the surface. However, below the surface, there are thousands of years of history. You can't dig anywhere in Jerusalem without uncovering something from a by-gone era. And, when ever something is uncovered, the authorities come in and quickly quarantine the area so that further study can be done. (Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that they do that. We need to preserve as much history as we can to learn from it.) I've even spoken to people who live in Israel (and Jerusalem specifically) who have been tilling the ground in their own backyard and stumble across some old coins. Once word got out, they had to stop until the entire yard could be inspected.

The lesson to learn here is that it really doesn't matter where you dig in Jerusalem, you are probably going to dig up some history. So, don't be surprised.

Large temporary sewage pipe just above the Pool of Siloam.On my first trip to Jerusalem, there was a large construction area just to the south of the Temple Mount and across the street from the ancient City of David. They were about to put in a parking garage to handle the large number of cars that come into the city on a daily basis. But, as soon as the first scoop of dirt was lifted up, they found ruins everywhere. Now, there is a large excavation taking place. My guess is that a parking garage will never appear on that location.

In 2004, some city workers were digging for a new sewage canal just south of the City of David. That's what led to the discovery of the Pool of Siloam. They have now put up a temporary sewage pipe, but different plans will have to be put in place for a long-term solution.

History is everywhere in Jerusalem. If you don't believe me, just pick up a shovel and start digging. Just don't expect to get too far.