13.2 The City of David and First Temple period finds

The City of David, ancient Jerusalem's heart, reveals a rich tapestry of Iron Age life. Excavations uncover fortifications, water systems, and royal structures, painting a vivid picture of the city during the reigns of David and Solomon.

Archaeological finds like seals, inscriptions, and the famous Siloam Tunnel offer glimpses into daily life and governance. These discoveries bridge biblical narratives with tangible evidence, shedding light on Jerusalem's pivotal role in the region's history.

City of David and Iron Age Structures

Overview of the City of David

Top images from around the web for Overview of the City of David

• 

  City of David Excavation | Terrazzo | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  City of David | Excavations in the Givati parking lot area o… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Water System City of David View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  City of David Excavation | Terrazzo | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  City of David | Excavations in the Givati parking lot area o… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Overview of the City of David

• 

  City of David Excavation | Terrazzo | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  City of David | Excavations in the Givati parking lot area o… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Water System City of David View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  City of David Excavation | Terrazzo | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  City of David | Excavations in the Givati parking lot area o… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Ancient city located in present-day East Jerusalem, believed to be the original site of Jerusalem
• Dates back to the Bronze Age, but most significant during the Iron Age and the reigns of King David and King Solomon
• Encompasses the area from the Gihon Spring to the Temple Mount, including the Ophel and the southeastern hill
• Excavations have revealed a complex network of structures, fortifications, and water systems from the First Temple period (Iron Age)

Key Structures and Fortifications

• Stepped Stone Structure: Massive terraced structure dating to the 10th century BCE, likely served as a retaining wall and foundation for a large building (possibly a royal palace or administrative center)
• Millo: Hebrew term meaning "filling," refers to a raised platform or terraced structure, possibly an extension of the Stepped Stone Structure or a separate fortification
• Iron Age city walls and towers: Excavations have uncovered portions of the city's defensive walls and towers, indicating the importance and strategic location of Jerusalem during this period

Water Systems

Gihon Spring and its Significance

• Jerusalem's primary water source, located in the Kidron Valley east of the City of David
• Karstic spring that flows intermittently, providing a reliable water supply for the ancient city
• Access to the spring was crucial for the city's survival, especially during times of siege

Water Management and Tunnels

• Siloam Tunnel (also known as Hezekiah's Tunnel): Underground water tunnel carved through bedrock, connecting the Gihon Spring to the Siloam Pool
• Built during the reign of King Hezekiah (late 8th century BCE) to ensure a secure water supply during the Assyrian siege
• Inscription found near the Siloam Pool describes the tunnel's construction and the meeting of the two teams of workers who carved it from opposite ends
• Warren's Shaft: Vertical shaft and tunnel system believed to have been used to access the Gihon Spring from within the city, possibly predating Hezekiah's Tunnel (dating and function still debated)

Archaeological Finds

Bullae and Seals

• Bullae: Clay seal impressions used to secure documents or containers, often bearing the names and titles of officials or individuals
• LMLK seals: Hebrew abbreviation for "belonging to the king," found on jar handles from the late 8th century BCE, likely related to the royal administrative system during Hezekiah's reign
• These artifacts provide valuable information about the administrative and bureaucratic systems in place during the First Temple period

Inscriptions and Artifacts

• House of David inscription: Fragmentary inscription from the 9th century BCE, discovered at Tel Dan, mentioning the "House of David" and providing extra-biblical evidence for the Davidic dynasty
• Ophel: Area located between the City of David and the Temple Mount, where excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts and structures from the First Temple period (pottery, seals, inscriptions, and buildings)
• These finds contribute to our understanding of the political, social, and religious life in Jerusalem during the Iron Age and the reigns of the Judahite kings