BYU ScholarsArchive

Article Title

Miquaot: Ritual Immersion Baths in Second Temple (Intertestamental) Jewish History

Authors

Stephen D. Ricks

Keywords

Mormon studies, archaeology, Second Temple, Judaism, Masada, ritual bathing

Abstract

One of the most intriguing developments in the archaeology of the Second Temple (intertestamental) period of Judaism occurred during excavations supervised by Yigael Yadin and other archaeologists at Masada, the residence built for King Herod the Great. While excavating the south casemate wall at Masada, these archaeologists came upon three structures that looked like a Jewish ritual bath complex—a small pool, a medium-sized pool, and a large pool. During a routine press conference, it was announced that a possible Jewish ritual bath—a miqveh—had been uncovered. News of this discovery spread quickly throughout Israel, particularly in the very orthodox Hasidic community.

Recommended Citation

Ricks, Stephen D. (1996) "Miquaot: Ritual Immersion Baths in Second Temple (Intertestamental) Jewish History," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 36: Iss. 3, Article 20.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol36/iss3/20