Archeologists have uncovered a section of a Roman-era aqueduct, which carried water to Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago.

The ancient structure was found during the construction of a sewage pipeline in the area of Umm Tuba, near the Har Homa neighborhood of the city.

Ya’akov Billig, who led the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, expanded on the background of the discovery in a conversation with Tazpit News Agency.

He explained that the “Lower Aqueduct to Jerusalem” was constructed by the Hasmonean dynasty more than 2,000 years ago in order to provide water to Jerusalem.

He also mentioned that as a whole, the infrastructure was in use until approximately a century ago, when it was made redundant by electric pumps installed during the British Mandate.

The Israel Antiquities Authority said that it is taking steps to prevent any damage to the aqueduct, and is working to expose sections of its remains, study them and make them accessible to the general public.

Other sections of the long aqueduct have been previously conserved for the public, including the Armon Ha-Natziv tunnel and Sultan’s Pool.

By Zack Pyzer, Tazpit News Agency