Water cistern near NW corner Temple Mount 3

Much archaeological work has gone on underneath the Western Wall Plaza and a modern-day Arab neighborhood on the western side of the Temple Mount. The excavations have shown us sidewalks, supporting arches and even banquet rooms that existed during the era of the New Testament. At least one water cistern is also visible underground. The Temple required an enormous amount of water. Several underground cisterns collected enough rainwater in the winter to provide all the Temple needed for the rest of the year.