Just as Scripture itself contains extraordinary stories that have captivated hearts and minds for millennia—tales of faith against impossible odds, of treasures hidden and revealed, of divine providence turning near-disaster into triumph, so too does the remarkable story of Temple Mount Soil unfold like a biblical narrative come to life.

This is the story of sacred earth nearly lost forever, of devoted scholars racing against time, and of ancient treasures emerging from dust to bear witness to the very foundations of faith.

Sacred Ground Beneath Holy Ground

Temple Mount Soil is not ordinary earth.

It is sacred ground, soil once buried beneath the place where Solomon’s Temple stood, where Jesus walked, taught, and prayed, and where the foundations of Scripture were laid.

In 1999, this soil was nearly lost forever. An unauthorized construction project on the Temple Mount led to the removal and dumping of nearly 9,000 tons of earth, rich with 3,000 years of biblical history.

But what could have been a tragedy became one of archaeology’s most extraordinary rescue missions: the Temple Mount Sifting Project.

Today, thanks to this unprecedented effort, this rare soil has been rescued, hand-sifted, carefully studied, and has revealed biblical and historical treasures.

Now, for the first time, it is available for believers to experience—a physical connection to Scripture, to faith, and to the living history of Jerusalem.

A One-Time Discovery, Never to Be Repeated

The 1999 event was a historical anomaly, a moment unlikely to happen again under the same circumstances.

Political and religious sensitivities make future excavations on the Temple Mount extremely rare, which is why this project is widely seen as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Recognizing the urgency, Israeli archaeologists Dr. Gabriel Barkay and Zachi Dvira founded the Temple Mount Sifting Project, determined to recover and redeem what had been lost.

“This was a one-time event, at least under those circumstances,” explains Dvira.“It gave us a rare and sacred chance that may never come again.”

One of the Largest Citizen Archaeology Initiatives in History

What makes the Temple Mount Sifting Project especially unique is not only what it uncovered, but how it was done.

Unlike most archaeological digs led solely by professionals, this project opened its gates to the public. Since 2004, over 250,000 volunteers from around the world have taken part, making it one of the largest citizen archaeology initiatives in history.

This model, where everyday people, from pastors to students, literally hold history in their hands, has turned scientific research into a powerful spiritual experience.

It is a testimony to shared stewardship, where the Bible’s past becomes today’s calling.

“When I held that piece of pottery,” said Sarah from Texas,
 “I realized I might be touching something that belonged to someone who actually heard Jesus preach. Suddenly, the Gospels weren’t just stories—they were real.”

625,000 Artifacts and Counting: Whispers from Scripture

To date, the Temple Mount Sifting Project has uncovered more than 625,000 artifacts, each one offering a glimpse into the Bible’s historical world:

• Over 6,000 ancient coins, including silver shekels from the Second Temple period
• Pottery shards etched with ancient Hebrew, dating to the time of kings and prophets
• Mosaic tiles and carved stones from the Second Temple - tangible pieces of the place where Jesus taught
• Jewelry, arrowheads, seals, and amulets from the biblical, Byzantine, and Crusader periods
  

Each artifact is a whisper from Scripture. A touchable testament to the truth of the Word.

“How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”
 — Genesis 28:17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMNIS4n7ahM

A Physical Connection to 3,000 Years of Faith

Not everyone can travel to Jerusalem to participate in the Temple Mount Sifting Project firsthand. But now, believers worldwide have a unique opportunity to connect with this sacred mission from anywhere in the world. 

The Temple Mount Soil collection offers certified soil of this holy earth, directly linked to 3,000 years of biblical history. This creates a tangible connection to Scripture that transcends distance, allowing people thousands of miles away to hold and honor the very ground where biblical events unfolded.

Verified by Science, Guided by Faith

Temple Mount Soil isn’t symbolic. It’s authentic.

Each portion is screened, cleaned, and certified by the Temple Mount Sifting Project, the sole authority responsible for this sacred recovery.

Archaeologists follow strict scientific protocols, verifying the soil’s origin and separating archaeological material from the portions offered to the public.

Each bottle of Temple Mount Soil includes:

• Clean earth from the Temple Mount
• A Certificate of Authenticity
• A direct connection to ongoing biblical archaeology and legacy
  

A Testament That Lives On

The Temple Mount Sifting Project proves what believers have always known: God works through brokenness. What was meant to be discarded became a source of revelation. What was buried has come to light, just as Scripture promises.

This unprecedented archaeological rescue mission continues today, with each day of sifting bringing this miracle closer to its conclusion and making every artifact more valuable, every grain more meaningful.

5 Surprising Facts About the Temple Mount Sifting Project