Historically important religious discovery found while family renovates living room

Family discoveres ancient ritual bath.

During an Israeli family's living room renovation, they discovered an ancient ritual bath under the floor. Calling the Israel Antiquities Authority, the bath was identified as a mikveh, which was used by the Jews for their ritual immersions. This suggests there were once Jews settling at the place. Other items dating from the first century were also found.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Initially, the family, who asked to remain anonymous, was hesitant to call the agency, thinking about the possible consequences that comes with such a report, whether the discovery was important or not.

"At the same time, we had a strong feeling that what was situated beneath the floor of our house is a find of historical value and our sense of civic and public duty clinched it for us," according to the statement from the homeowners, cited from The Blaze.

The Israel Antiquities Authority described the ancient ritual bath as "rock-hewn and meticulously plastered according to the laws of purity." It is reportedly 11.5-feet long, eight-feet wide and six-feet deep, with a staircase leading to the bottom for users full immersion.

Inside the mikveh, the homeowners found other artifacts that may have historical value, including some first century pottery vessels. Traces of fire damage were observed, probably evidence of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem, including the Second Temple, during the 70 A.D.

Archeologists claim there are other discoveries made, with traces back to the same particular time in the same neighborhood in Ein Kerem.

"Such instances of finding antiquities beneath a private home can happen only in Israel and Jerusalem in particular," said Amit Re'em, Jerusalem's district archaeologist, noting that the discovery has "archaeological importance" and the place is sacred to Christianity.

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