Cistern Interior 2

View of one of the branches of the interior of the cruciform cistern.  Each branch is about 30 ft. (9 m.) long, 20 ft. (6 m.) high, and 6 to 12 ft. (1.8–3.6 m.) high.  The cistern was hewn in soft chalk and covered with over 4 in. (10 cm.) of plaster!

This cistern is cruciform in shape.  One branch of the cistern is straight ahead.  Also visible are the arms that branch off to the right and left.

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According to the excavator, this cistern was constructed during the days of the United Monarchy (David and/or Solomon; 1010-930 BC) and went out of use in the early seventh century BC.  The excavator estimates that it could hold 57,600 gal. (218,000 l.) of water.

For a brief description of Beth Shemesh and its biblical significance and a map Click Here.