Israeli archaeologists are trying to uncover the significance of a recently discovered handprint carved into the stone wall of an ancient moat outside the Old City of Jerusalem, AFP reported.

The print was discovered in a thousand-year-old moat exposed during road widening work in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem near Herod's Gate, the Israel Antiquities Authority said.

The massive moat was cut in stone around the entire Old City, stretched 10 meters wide and two to seven meters deep and, unlike in Europe, was not filled with water.

According to the IAA, it took the Crusaders five weeks in 1099 to cross it and destroy the city walls and defenses. While the function of the moat was clear, the significance of the arm remained unclear. "It's a mystery; we're trying to solve it," said IAA excavation director Zubair Adawi.