In the 19th century, archaeologists discovered a large tank located northwest of St. Anne’s Church. Further archaeological excavation in 1964 uncovered the remains of the Byzantine and Crusader churches, Hadrian’s Temple of Asclepius and Serapis, the small healing pools of the Asclepion, the other of the two large pools, and the dam between them.
Political/Cultural Significance
St. Anne’s church, which according to Christian tradition was the home of Mary’s parents Joachim and Anne, is the best example of a Crusader church in Jerusalem.
Biblical Significance
The Pool of Bethesda is a pool of water located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem and is often associated with healing, as described in John 5.
