13.1 Topography and urban development of Jerusalem
4 min read•august 8, 2024
Jerusalem's ancient topography shaped its development. The , built on a ridge between valleys, was the original settlement. Water sources like the were crucial. The , an expanded platform on , became a religious center.
Jerusalem's water systems were innovative. brought water from the Gihon Spring to the . Later periods saw significant changes. rebuilt the city as , while became a Christian pilgrimage site.
Ancient Jerusalem
Topography and Valleys
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City of David, the original settlement of Jerusalem, was built on a narrow ridge bounded by deep valleys
, the fortified area of the City of David, was located on the northern end of the ridge
, a steep valley located on the western and southern sides of the City of David, was used for agriculture and burial grounds
, a deep valley east of the City of David, separated the city from the Mount of Olives and was used for tombs and agriculture
, also known as the "Valley of the Cheesemakers," was a shallow valley that divided the City of David from the Western Hill and was gradually filled in over time
Water Sources
Gihon Spring, located in the Kidron Valley, was the main water source for the City of David and was accessed through tunnels and shafts
The spring was intermittent, flowing several times a day, and was channeled into pools and reservoirs for storage
The , dating to the Middle Bronze Age, allowed residents to access the spring from within the city walls
Temple Mount
Location and Significance
Mount Moriah, according to Jewish tradition, is the site where Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac and is considered a holy site
Temple Mount, an elevated platform built during the reign of King Herod, expanded the natural mount and served as the location for the
The mount measures approximately 150,000 square meters and is one of the largest man-made platforms in the ancient world
, also known as the "Wailing Wall," is a remnant of the retaining wall of the Second Temple platform and is the holiest prayer site for Jews
Temple Periods
(ca. 957-586 BCE) saw the construction of Solomon's Temple, which served as the central place of worship for the Israelites until its destruction by the Babylonians
The temple was divided into three main areas: the Ulam (porch), Heichal (sanctuary), and Devir (Holy of Holies)
(516 BCE-70 CE) began with the rebuilding of the temple under Persian rule and ended with its destruction by the Romans
expanded the Temple Mount platform and renovated the Second Temple, adding grandeur and monumentality to the complex
Water Systems
Hezekiah's Tunnel
"Hezekiah's Tunnel," a 533-meter-long water tunnel, was constructed during the reign of King Hezekiah to bring water from the Gihon Spring to the Siloam Pool
The tunnel was carved through solid bedrock using the "cut-and-cover" method, with two teams working from opposite ends and meeting in the middle
The , found near the tunnel's exit, commemorates its construction and is one of the oldest extant Hebrew inscriptions
Siloam Pool
Siloam Pool, a rock-cut pool fed by the waters of the Gihon Spring via Hezekiah's Tunnel, served as a major water reservoir for the city
The pool was likely used for ritual purification and as a public gathering place
The pool is mentioned in the New Testament as the site where Jesus healed a blind man (John 9:1-11)
Later Periods
Roman Jerusalem
Roman Jerusalem, following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, saw significant changes to the city's layout and infrastructure
The city was rebuilt as Aelia Capitolina in the 2nd century CE, with a new street grid, temples, and public buildings
The Temple Mount was left in ruins and a temple to Jupiter was built on the site
The , the main north-south street of Roman Jerusalem, was lined with columns and shops and served as the city's commercial center
Byzantine Jerusalem
Byzantine Jerusalem, following the legalization of Christianity in the 4th century CE, became an important center of Christian pilgrimage and worship
The , built on the site believed to be the location of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, became the focal point of the city
The , dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was one of the largest churches in the Byzantine Empire and was likely located on the eastern side of the city
The , a 6th-century mosaic map found in a church in Madaba, Jordan, depicts Byzantine Jerusalem and its major landmarks, providing valuable insights into the city's topography and architecture during this period