Plans were disclosed here today for excavation of some lower tiers of the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. The decision to deepen the most sacred shrine of Judaism was made at a meeting of Cabinet ministers, archaeologists and architects which was held near the shrine and approved by Israeli religious officials.
Officials said there was some evidence that the wall extends to 20 tiers down below the surface but that digging for the time being would be for only a few tiers. The five lowest tiers now above the ground surface reportedly date from the Second Temple built by King Herod. Some of the lowest tiers underground may date back to the First Temple, which was built by King Solomon and razed by the Babylonians.
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