The Times of Israel has reported that during the installation of new carpets in the Dome of the Rock that ancient floors have been revealed. Many Jews and Christians believe that the Dome of the Rock stands over the spot where the “Holy of Holies” of the Solomonic and Second Temples. This is where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. Muslims believe that the Rock is the spot from which Mohammed ascended to “heaven.”
In the Well of Souls, a cave UNDER the foundation stone of the Dome of the Rock, an ancient tile floor has been revealed. — Photo from The Times of Israel
The Dome of the Rock has not been open to the non-Muslim general public for years. BELOW the famous rock is a small cavern that is called the “Well of the Souls”—see photo above—where it is said that the dead meet twice a week to pray (and see 2:20 in the video below and pause it). Notice the very beautiful tiled floor that was revealed during the updating of the carpet there (date??).
For a four minute YouTube video of the carpet laying process—with views of the interior of the Dome of the Rock and other underground passageways (at the 1:20 spot), see below. At 3:25 notice the mikrab that directs the faithful towards Mecca as well as the personal prayer places on the rug that is being laid.
Dome of the Rock. To the left of it is the Dome of the Chain and in the foreground is the “head” of a cistern (underground chamber that collects rain water). Courtesy of http://www.HolyLandPhotos.org
For additional images of the Dome and the area Click Here.
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