In 2009 a large 2,000-year-old mikvah was uncovered along the Western Wall Tunnel only 65 feet from the Western Wall itself. This was one of the largest mikvah ever discovered. It has 11 steps and was used by the multitude of Jews entering the Temple Mount near Wilson’s Arch or Warren’s Gate.

Looking down on the large mikvah discovered in 2009 just 65 feet west of the Temple Mount’s Western Wall.

Joesphus wrote that the Jewish government’s administrative center was located in this area at the foot of the Temple on the west side. The Talmud says that the Sanhedrin would meet in this building. This highly decorated mikvah has the architectural and artistic style of some of Herod’s most magnificent works with finely dressed ashlar stones and the highest quality craftsmanship in decorating. This could be part of the Sanhedrin’s governmental building as well as their ritual bath.