3000 Year Old Defensive Wall Unearthed in Jerusalem: Proof of Solomon's Reign?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

3000 Year Old Defensive Wall Unearthed in Jerusalem: Proof of Solomon's Reign?

King Solomon's wall found.

149
3000 Year Old Defensive Wall Unearthed in Jerusalem: Proof of Solomon's Reign?
Wikipedia

With all the unrest in the Middle East, archaeologists are still working hard to bridge the gap between the modern world and the ancient. For centuries there have been many Biblical stories that have been written off as myth. One of these stories, in particular, is that of King Solomon. For years, archaeologists and historians alike have been searching for both Solomon's Temple and its treasures. In 2010, Archaeologist Eilat Mazar, while leading a dig for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, unearthed a defensive wall dating back to the 10th-century B.C.E., the time of Solomon's reign according to the Bible.

The wall is 230 feet (70 meters) long and about 20 feet (6 meters) high. It runs along the original edge of Jerusalem between the Temple Mount, and the ancient city of David now called Silwan. The wall includes a defensive complex that holds a gatehouse, an adjacent building and a guard house that has been partially excavated. This wall helps to confirm a Bible passage in the First Book of Kings that says Solomon, King of Israel built a defensive wall in Jerusalem. The dating of this structure fits in directly with the Bible's timeline of Solomon's reign.

The dating of this site came with the help of artifacts (some found as early as 2007) such as ceramics that helped to narrow the timeline down. Other artifacts found were earthenware storage vessels near the gatehouse, figurines, and jar handles with impressions reading "to the King". One of the storage vessels had a Hebrew inscription that indicated that it belonged to a high ranking official. These pieces had earmarks of advanced work being done in the second half of the tenth century B.C.E.


Is this all the proof needed to consider these Bible stories real? Some say yes, some say no. The Middle East is wrought with unrest and that includes Jerusalem. Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike have been vying for this piece of real estate for centuries. Getting permission to further these archaeological digs is becoming harder and harder as political and religious factions restrict access to these important sites. On April 15, 2016, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) passed a resolution (voted in by France, Spain, Sweden, Russia, and Slovenia and submitted by Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan) that refers to the Temple Mount by its Arabic name Al-Haram Al-Sharif. On October 14, 2016, the same countries passed a resolution denying the Temple Mount has any Jewish heritage. This new resolution will definitely have a negative effect on the unearthing of more of these wonderful artifacts, keeping these facts in the dark until further notice.

Moving forward, there is no guarantee that these discoveries will lead to further answers. Archaeologists and historians due diligence may not be enough to break these political and religious chains. The fact that these truths are so close to being realized is probably the most frustrating. All that can be done now is to have patience, and continue to work to bridge the gap between the modern and the ancient worlds in an attempt to understand the ways of our ancestors. Hopefully, in the near future, there will be further Light shed on this already illuminating subject.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Baseball Spring Training Is A Blast In Arizona
Patricia Vicente

Nothing gets me more pumped up than the nice weather and the sights and sounds of the baseball season quickly approaching.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Impact Makers: Melanie Byrd

Find out how this TikTok star gets women excited about science!

3626
Impact Makers: Melanie Byrd

How it all began

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

22 Songs To Use For Your Next GoPro Video

Play one of these songs in the background for the perfect vacation vibes.

309670
Pexels

We've all seen a Jay Alvarez travel video and wondered two things: How can I live that lifestyle and how does he choose which song to use for his videos?

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

13 Roleplay Plots You Haven't Thought Of Yet

Stuck on ideas for a roleplay? Here you go!

413461
13 Roleplay Plots You Haven't Thought Of Yet
Pixabay

One thing that many creators know is that fun to have characters and different universes to work with but what's the point if you have nothing to do with them? Many people turn to roleplay as a fun way to use characters, whether they're original or from a fandom. It'd a fun escape for many people but what happens when you run out of ideas to do? It's a terrible spot to be in. So here are a few different role play plot ideas.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Deep in the Heart of Texas

A Texan's responsibilities when introducing an out-of-stater to Texas culture.

3820

While in college, you are bound to be friends with at least one person who is not from Texas. Now Texas is a culture of its own, and it is up to you to help introduce them to some good ole Texas traditions during their time here. Show your friends that famous Southern hospitality!

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments