In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have solved a long-standing mystery about Jerusalem’s ancient defenses. Recent excavations in the City of David have revealed a massive moat that once fortified the Temple Mount and the King’s Palace, shedding new light on the fortifications of biblical Jerusalem.
For more than 150 years, the full extent of Jerusalem’s northern fortifications remained elusive. But thanks to recent work in the Givati parking lot adjacent to the Old City walls, researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Tel Aviv University have uncovered a moat that divided the City of David, separating the ruling Acropolis from the southern residential areas.
As explained in the article published by the Times of Israel, the excavation revealed a moat at least nine meters deep (about 30 feet) and 30 meters wide (almost 100 feet).
“This monumental fortification was a key feature that protected the kings of Jerusalem,” the IAA said. The moat, which may date back to the reign of King Josiah, was a significant engineering feat designed to alter Jerusalem’s natural landscape and showcase the city’s power and prestige.
The discovery required a reevaluation of previous excavations, particularly those conducted by British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon in the 1960s. Kenyon, the Times of Israel explains, had identified what she thought was a natural valley, but new evidence suggests that it was actually part of the moat. This connection extends the moat at least 70 meters (230 feet) from west to east, providing a comprehensive view of the city’s ancient defenses.
The findings are consistent with biblical descriptions of Jerusalem’s topography. For example, 1 Kings 11:27 refers to King Solomon’s construction efforts, including fortifying and closing breaches in Jerusalem’s defenses. The newly discovered moat confirms these ancient texts and provides a tangible link between archaeological evidence and biblical accounts.
IAA Director Eli Escusido told the Times of Israel that “Excavations at the City of David continue to reveal new insights into biblical history. Standing at the base of these massive structures, one cannot help but marvel at the ingenuity and determination of those who built them nearly 3,800 years ago.”
