The Hezekian Tunnel

The Hezekija tunnel is a tunnel excavated under the Ophel in East Jerusalem under the reign of Hezekia (c. 700 B.C.). The tunnel connects the spring of Gihon with the well of Siloam, and was intended to serve as an aqueduct to supply Jerusalem with water during the imminent siege of the city by the Assyrians led by Sennacherib. The excavation is about 533 meters long and through a slight difference in height between the two ends of the tunnel, conveys water from the oasis to the well.