The excavation, led by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), revealed a manmade trench or moat that once divided Jerusalem into two parts. This moat, hidden beneath the Givati Parking lot, has been a subject of speculation for over 150 years. The site, now a 3,500-square-foot excavation area, was previously used for car parking by visitors to Jerusalem’s Western Wall.
The trench, measuring approximately 30 feet deep and nearly 100 feet wide, with steep cliffs on both sides, was an impassable barrier designed to protect the city’s inhabitants. Its discovery is crucial for understanding the scale and defensive strategies of ancient Jerusalem from the Bible.
This moat dates back to the Iron Age, aligning with the period when Jerusalem served as the capital of the Kingdom of Judah. The Bible particularly the Books of Kings and Samuel, references the city’s division into different sections, such as Ophel and Millo. These biblical terms describe the city’s topography and fortifications.
One notable reference is found in the first Book of Kings (11:27), where King Solomon is credited with building the “Millo” and closing the breach in the city’s wall. This discovery aligns with these ancient texts, providing physical evidence to support the biblical narrative.
The City of David, historically known in the Bible as Bethlehem, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The moat’s discovery confirms long-held beliefs about the city’s layout and defensive structures. According to Dr. Yiftah Shalev, the excavation director, the moat created a clear separation between the southern residential area and the northern ruling Acropolis, where the palace and temple were located.
The moat’s design aimed to showcase the ruler’s power and the city’s defensive capabilities. It was intended to demonstrate Jerusalem’s strength to any who approached its gates, emphasizing the city’s ability to protect itself from invaders.
The moat’s existence was first noted in the 1960s by British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon, who initially thought it was a natural valley. However, recent excavations have revealed it to be a continuation of the manmade trench from the times of the Bible, curving westward and confirming its strategic purpose.
Eli Escusido, Director of the IAA, remarked on the discovery’s significance, stating, “Once again, discoveries are being revealed that shed new and vivid light on the biblical literature. When you stand at the bottom of this giant excavation, surrounded by enormous hewn walls, it is impossible not to be filled with wonder and appreciation for those ancient people who, about 3,800 years ago, literally moved mountains and hills”.
The unearthing of this 3,000-year-old moat in Jerusalem’s City of David is a monumental find that bridges the gap between narratives in the Bible and historical evidence. It offers a tangible connection to the ancient world and enhances our understanding of Jerusalem’s early history and its strategic importance. As researchers continue to explore and study this site, we can expect more revelations that will deepen our appreciation of the rich history embedded in the biblical texts.
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Israelis respond: Nu! And where am I supposed to park now?
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