At the end of the Hasmonean aqueduct we come to a large pool
(approximately 171 X 46 feet) which collected rainwater from the
northern section of the aqueduct. The pool was called
"Struthion," which means "lark," being that it was one of the
smaller public pools in Jerusalem during the Herodian period.
The pool served as a moat for the northwestern corner of the
Antonia Fortress. Prior to the pool's construction, the aqueduct
ran from the north into this area servicing the city and the
Temple Mount. When Herod expanded the Temple area, he blocked
off the southern side of the aqueduct, and the pool was split
into two parts. The northern sectioncontinued to bring rainwater
into the pool, but the southern section no longer had any
function. After the defeat of the Bar Kochba revolt in 135 C.E.,
the emperor Hadrian turned the entire pool area into a market
place. They managed to cover the pool, first dividing it into
two with a wall along its length, and then placing two arches
fanning out in opposite directions