VIDEO Introduction
Welcome to the City of David, one of the most fascinating and historically significant archaeological sites in Jerusalem. Located just outside the walls of the Old City, this ancient city was once the heart of Jerusalem, and home to some of the most influential figures in biblical history. Through ongoing excavations, the City of David has revealed many secrets and mysteries, including the remains of a grand palace belonging to King David himself. In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of the most exciting discoveries in the City of David, including the house of Achiel, the stone step structure identified with the biblical Millo, the Large stone structure identified by Eilet Mazar in 2005 as the palace of David, and the Ophel just outside the southern wall of the temple mount in Jerusalem. Join us as we delve into the rich history and uncover the hidden treasures of this remarkable ancient city.
The City of David Excavations in Jerusalem have been a source of fascination and controversy since they began in the late 19th century. The site, located just south of the Temple Mount, is believed to be the original location of the ancient city of Jerusalem and has been the focus of numerous archaeological expeditions.
The Stepped Stone Structure or Millo
One of the earliest and most significant excavations at the City of David was conducted by Irish archaeologists archaeologists such as J. Garrow Duncan and Stewart MacAlister from 1923 to 1925. One of the most renowned of these was led by British archaeologist Kathleen M. Kenyon, who extensively excavated the city between 1961 and 1967. Her research shed new light on the ancient city and its inhabitants (Kenyon, Digging Up Jerusalem).
Another important figure in the study of Jerusalem's past is Israeli archaeologist Yigal Shiloh from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Between 1978 and 1985, Shiloh conducted an extensive project which included further excavation of the Stepped Stone Structure. His findings provided valuable insight into the structure and its significance (Shiloh, Excavations, 15-21).
In more recent years, the Stepped Stone Structure has continued to capture the attention of archaeologists. In 2005, Israeli archaeologist Eilat Mazar uncovered the remains of the 'Large Stone Structure' on top of and slightly west of the Stepped Stone Structure. This discovery was made during excavations carried out on behalf of the Shalem Center and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and provided even more evidence of the city's ancient past (Mazar, Preliminary Report, 52-66).
Today, the Stepped Stone Structure remains intact at its impressive height of 59 feet (18 m) and can be seen at the City of David Archaeological Park. Thanks to the efforts of these dedicated archaeologists, the history of Jerusalem continues to be revealed and preserved for future generations to appreciate.
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| City of David Excavation |
House of Achiel
Four Room House (Israelite)
The House of Achiel is an Israelite house that dates back to the 8th century BC. It is a large four-room house, measuring 8m by 8m, and is situated at the bottom of the Millo, an ancient Jebusite structure. Excavations at the site have revealed well-preserved remains, providing valuable insights into the culture and customs of its inhabitants.The house gets its name from two ostracon, or pieces of pottery, that were found during excavations with the name Achiel inscribed on them. This name gives us a glimpse into the identity of one of the inhabitants of the house, possibly the owner or a family member. It is interesting to note that during this time period, it was common for people to have personal names, unlike earlier periods where people were often referred to by their profession or family relationship.
Toilets
One of the most fascinating discoveries at the House of Achiel is the remains of a toilet. This is a significant find as it provides evidence of the daily hygiene practices of the people who lived here. The toilet was carefully excavated and studied, revealing a sophisticated system that used water to flush waste away. This is an early example of advanced plumbing technology, further highlighting the advanced civilization that existed in this ancient city.But the House of Achiel is not the only place where toilets were found. Archaeologists also uncovered three other toilets in the vicinity of the house, suggesting that this was a common feature in the homes of this time period. This also highlights the importance of sanitation and hygiene in the daily lives of the people living in this city.
Significance
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| Large Stone Structure 2009 |
Large stone structure (palace of David)
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| City of David Excavations 2023 |
Ophel
In 1968, Israeli
archaeologist Yigal Shiloh began excavations in the area known as the
Ophel, located just south of the Temple Mount. This area, previously
untouched by previous excavations, yielded numerous significant
discoveries.
In the following decades, excavations at the City of David continued, revealing a wealth of artifacts and structures that provided insight into the ancient history of Jerusalem. In 2005, a team of archaeologists uncovered a large stone structure, measuring over 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, which is believed to have been a royal palace during the time of King David.
Today, the City of David Excavations continue to be a major site for archaeological research and discovery. Recent excavations have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and weapons, shedding further light on the ancient city and its inhabitants. The site also attracts thousands of visitors each year, providing them with a unique opportunity to walk through the ancient streets of Jerusalem and experience its rich history firsthand.
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