American teen arrested in Israel after spending night in historic cave

A US tourist has been arrested after spending the night in an historic cave below Jerusalem's Old City.

Reports said he may have been hunting for mythical buried treasure.

Zedekiah's cave, also known as Solomon's Quarries, covers a five-acre area beneath the Muslim quarter.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported the 19-year-old hid inside the attraction at closing time and dug a number of holes.

Several worthless limestone rocks were found in his backpack, police said.

Haaretz suggested the foray may have been linked to what is known as "Jerusalem Syndrome".

This is what some tourists experience when they visit the Holy Land and are overwhelmed by its religious significance.

Zedekiah's Cave is the remnant of what was once the largest quarry in Jerusalem dating back to the sixth century BC.

According to tradition, King Zedekiah tried to escape through it during the destruction of the First Jewish Temple in 586 BC.

Treasure is said to be buried in the cave, which has also served as a ceremonial site for Freemasons.