Archaeologists have finally found the ancient remains of the Greek Fort of Acra, whose location has eluded them for many years. Finding the ruins helped solve "one of Jerusalem's greatest archaeological mysteries," Time reported.

The Acra was found beneath the Givati parking lot at the City of David, located in Jerusalem Walls National Park. Archaeologists have been excavating the site for a decade but did not find the 2,000-year-old stronghold until recently.

"Over the past 100 years of archaeological research in Jerusalem, numerous theories have been put forth identifying the location of the Acra. The uncertainty stemmed from the paucity of architectural remains that can be traced to the Greek presence in Jerusalem," read a statement posted Tuesday on Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.

The Greek Fort of Acra was a stronghold built by Antiochus IV. It was where he took control of Jerusalem and watched over the activities in the Temple. Historical records indicate that the people of Jerusalem endured suffering from the inhabitants of Acra.

The stronghold's design made it difficult to conquer. It was eventually taken in 141 B.C. through a siege led by Simon Maccabee.

"The new archaeological finds indicate the establishment of a well-fortified stronghold that was constructed on the high bedrock cliff overlooking the steep slopes of the City of David hill. This stronghold controlled all means of approach to the Temple atop the Temple Mount, and cut the Temple off from the southern parts of the city," excavation directors Doron Ben-Ami, Yana Tchekhanovets and Salome Cohen said on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The excavation directors are excited about the "sensational discovery" because it will help them reconstruct the "the layout of the settlement in the city, on the eve of the Maccabean uprising in 167 B.C."

The Givati excavation is funded by the Elad Foundation, which runs the park. The excavation site is open daily and can be visited by the public.

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