Archaeologists from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Institute of Archaeology found a monumental entryway to the Herodian Hilltop Palace at the Herodium National Park.

The passageway's corridor is about seven miles (12 kilometers) south of Jerusalem. The complex has a space 65 feet long, 65 feet high and 20 feet wide (20 by 20 by 6 meters).

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Researchers Roi Porat, Yakov Kalman and Rachel Chach uncovered the complex during the excavations by The Herodium Expedition in Memory of Ehud Netzer over the past year, as part of a project of the Israeli government to develop the site for tourism.

The entryway features an impressive corridor with an intricate system of arches spanning its width on three separate levels. The arches strengthened the corridor's massive side-walls and allow the King and his entourage to moave directly into the Palace Courtyard.

The Palace courtyard was decorated with painted frescoes. Its hidden tunnels were used by Jewish guerrillas during a second-century revolt against the Romans.

"The corridor was built as part of Herod's plan to turn Herodium into a massive artificial volcano-shaped hill, a vast and impressive monument designed to commemorate the architect-King," said Hebrew University in astatement.

Shaul Goldstein, Director of Israel's Nature and Parks Authority, said the excavation of the arched corridor will give visitors direct access to the Herodium hilltop palace-fortress after the completion of the project.

It will also allow tourists direct access from the structures on the slope, the Royal Theater and the Mausoleum via the earlier monumental stairway, to the hilltop Palace.

TagsKing Herod, Bible, king of Judea, King Herod's palace, entryway to King Herod's palace, ancient palace