The Subterranean Water-Cisterns at Herodium

The water supply of the Palace-Fortress was based primarily on rcollection of the rainwater falling on the hill; this was stored in various water cisterns, one atop the watertight base of the eastern tower, and two smaller ones under the palace chambers. Another three cisterns which collected rainwater from the hill’s slopes were exposed adjacent to the monumental stairway. From here the water was raised in jars and water-skins to the large middle cistern hewn into the hill-top, and poured into it via a spout; it could then be drawn directly by rope and bucket from the palace courtyard.
In times when the water in the cisterns were empty, water would be brought from Lower Herodium, where the aqueduct from “Solomon’s Pools”, south of Bethlehem, provided a constant supply all year round.

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