Ancient houses have been unearthed in the old city of Jerusalem, immediately southeast of the palace of Herod the Great, and close to the home of the high priest Caiaphas. Archaeologists theorize that the 2000-year-old luxury neighborhood was inhabited by members of the societal elite, probably the priestly ruling class. A rare bathtub, vaulted ceilings, and a ritual stone cup with a priestly inscription have all been found. The high priests in the first century were notorious for being corrupt and greedy. Josephus describes Ananias as a "hoarder of money" (Antiquities of the Jews 20.9.2-4).
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