Archaeologists in the City of David National Park in Jerusalem have made a significant discovery of massive fortifications that would have protected the city in ancient times. This finding has sparked a renewed discussion about biblical literature that refers to the topography of Jerusalem, such as the Ophel and the Millo. The excavation, led by Prof. Yuval Gadot from Tel Aviv University and Dr. Yiftach Shalev from the Antiquities Authority, indicates that these fortifications were likely used during the time of the First Temple and the Kingdom of Judah. This discovery sheds light on the structure of the ancient city and will prompt researchers to reconsider descriptions of the city and its limits provided in biblical accounts.
The City of David is believed to be the core of the original and ancient city of Jerusalem, where King David united Israel as one capital city. The newly discovered moat and walls help reshape the understanding of the city’s layout and will lead to a reinterpretation of biblical descriptions of Jerusalem. While the exact date of the excavated moat remains unknown, it is speculated to have been created during the Middle Bronze Age, approximately 3,800 years ago, which aligns with historical accounts of David’s travels to Jerusalem 3,000 years ago. The fortifications appear to have been constructed by massive quarrying of rock to create a moat that was intended to protect the city from the north, the weakest point of the City of David slope.
The researchers involved in the excavation argue that the fortification line is a result of quarrying activities and construction tasks aimed at reshaping the topography of ancient Jerusalem. These activities are mentioned in biblical texts, such as in the first book of Kings where King Solomon is said to have built the “Millo” and closed the breach of the city. The discovery of the moat and walls provides valuable evidence to support ancient stories and claims about Jerusalem that have often been dismissed as myth. The researchers believe that their findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the city’s history and significance in ancient times.
The City of David’s National Park’s website describes the significance of the discovery in shedding light on the ancient fortifications that once protected the city of Jerusalem. The excavation results will be presented at the upcoming “Jerusalem Studies Experience” Conference, providing an opportunity for experts to discuss and analyze the findings. The presence of perpendicular cliffs that could not be climbed on both sides of the moat has led the excavators to conclude that they were looking at a fortification line rather than natural formations, further supporting the argument that the moat was part of a deliberate defensive structure.
Overall, the discovery of the massive fortifications in the City of David National Park in Jerusalem is a groundbreaking development that will contribute to a better understanding of the ancient city’s layout and defenses. The research team’s findings challenge previous assumptions about the structure and boundaries of ancient Jerusalem and will prompt a reassessment of biblical accounts describing the city. The newly uncovered moat and walls provide physical evidence to support historical claims about Jerusalem and its significance in ancient times. The ongoing archaeological explorations in Jerusalem continue to uncover new discoveries that enrich our understanding of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
