City of David Yields Discovery of Ancient Fortification Moat

Israeli archaeologists have made a significant discovery in the City of David, uncovering an ancient fortification moat that once protected Jerusalem during the Kingdom of Judah nearly 3,000 years ago. This moat, created through extensive quarrying, formed a massive channel that separated the City of David from the Temple Mount and the Ophel area.

Officials from the Israel Antiquities Authority revealed that the moat's perpendicular cliffs rendered it impassable, providing a formidable defensive barrier. Initially, the purpose of this rock carving was unclear, but further excavations and historical linkages have identified it as the northern fortification line of the lower city.

Prof. Yuval Gadot of Tel Aviv University and Dr. Yiftah Shalev of the Israel Antiquities Authority, directors of the excavation, explained that while the exact date of the moat's construction remains unknown, evidence indicates its use during the centuries when Jerusalem was the capital of the Kingdom of Judah. The moat effectively divided the southern residential area of the city from the northern Acropolis, where the palace and temple were located.

The creation of this moat was a monumental engineering feat, demonstrating the power and resources of Jerusalem’s rulers. The moat, stretching at least 70 meters from west to east, highlights the city's strategic importance and the advanced capabilities of its ancient inhabitants.

This discovery was part of the ongoing Givati Parking Lot excavations, managed by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University, and funded by the City of David Foundation. The moat’s identification was confirmed after reexamining excavation reports by British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon from the 1960s. Kenyon had noted the natural rock slopes but had misinterpreted them as a natural valley.

Dr. Yiftah Shalev noted that such significant construction projects in Jerusalem are typically dated to the Middle Bronze Age, around 3,800 years ago. Whether from that period or later, it is clear the moat was in use during the First Temple period and the Kingdom of Judah in the ninth century BCE, serving as a critical buffer between the city's residential and ruling areas.

The discovery underscores the intricate topography of ancient Jerusalem, built atop a narrow and steep ridge with hills and valleys creating distinct sections. Royal construction projects, like those mentioned in the biblical literature, often sought to reshape this challenging terrain for defensive purposes.

Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, expressed amazement at the continual discoveries in the City of David. “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.”

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