It was discovered near Jerusalem

Feb 23, 2010 06:24 GMT  ·  By
Dr. Eilat Mazar points to the tenth century B.C.E. excavations that were uncovered under her direction in the Ophel area adjacent to the Old City of Jerusalem
   Dr. Eilat Mazar points to the tenth century B.C.E. excavations that were uncovered under her direction in the Ophel area adjacent to the Old City of Jerusalem

Researchers have recently made a finding that could prove to be very important for determining the history of Israel. Excavations near the capital have uncovered a new segment of wall, which appears to have been built between 1000 BC and 901BC. Therefore, experts believe that it may have been the work of the historical figure King Solomon. Engineers who have had a chance to look at the monument say that the construction implies a high level of meticulousness and complexity in construction, which means that central authorities were present at the time of the build, LiveScience reports.

Archaeologists say that the wall was found marking a perimeter which also included an inner city gate that may have for example been used for accessing the royal part of the city. An adjacent royal structure was found very close to the gate, and a corner tower was unearthed nearby. The observations structure had a wonderful view of the adjacent Kidron Valley, the scientists say. The wall section, part of a larger structure that probably surrounded them, is about 70 meters (230 feet) in length by 6 meters (19 feet) in height. Researchers add that the newly-found wall segment lies between the City of David and the southern wall of the Temple Mount, in an area known as Ophel.

“The city wall that has been uncovered testifies to a ruling presence. Its strength and form of construction indicate a high level of engineering,” says Hebrew University of Jerusalem researcher Eilat Mazar. The researchers based their idea that the structure was built by King Solomon on comparisons they conducted between this structure and other city walls and gates that are known to have been built at the time of the official's rule. Additionally, pottery shards found at the location suggested the same conclusions.

“This is the first time that a structure from that time has been found that may correlate with written descriptions of Solomon's building in Jerusalem. The Bible tells us that Solomon built, with the assistance of the Phoenicians, who were outstanding builders, the [First] Temple and his new palace and surrounded them with a city, most probably connected to the more ancient wall of the City of David,” Mazar reveals. He adds that further credence to the idea is provided by the fact that many clay objects found at the site bear the markings “to the king,” which means that they were used in the royal court.