Intricate Garden Fountain

Excerpts of an article by Edgar Asher, Ashernet

Remains of a once affluent estate that had a fountain in its garden were recently unearthed in Ramla. Archaeologists date the structure to the late tenth century and first half of the eleventh century. A fountain made of mosaic covered with plaster and stone slabs was uncovered. A system of pipes consisting of terra cotta sections and connectors made of store jars led to the fountain. A large cistern and a system of pipes that was used to convey water were discovered next to the residential building.  

According to Hagit Torgë, excavation director, “…this is the first time that the fountain’s plumbing was discovered completely intact. The pipes of other fountains did not survive the earthquakes that struck the country in AD 1033 and 1068.”