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arXiv · 2504.03078

First Demonstration of Underground Muon Imaging at an Archaeological Site in Ancient Jerusalem

Yan Benhammou·Erez Etzion·Yuval Gadot·Gilad Mizrachi·Oded Lipschits·Yiftah Shalev·Yiftah Silver·Amir Weissbein·Igor Zolkin
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Abstract

We present a novel underground imaging system that utilizes cosmic-ray muons to explore the subsurface environment at the City of David archaeological site in ancient Jerusalem. This report details the initial findings from measurements conducted at a large cistern, commonly called "Jeremiah's cistern" (referenced in Jeremiah 38:6). The system aims to locate and map hidden voids and structural anomalies within the overburden. Our primary outcome is the derivation of the angular ground depth, which serves as a proxy for understanding the integrated density distribution of the overburden. This work represents a significant interdisciplinary effort to deepen our understanding of this historically important site.

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Yan Benhammou, Erez Etzion, Yuval Gadot, Gilad Mizrachi, Oded Lipschits, Yiftah Shalev, Yiftah Silver, Amir Weissbein, Igor Zolkin. 2025-08-30. First Demonstration of Underground Muon Imaging at an Archaeological Site in Ancient Jerusalem. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0273376

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