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Jerusalem, an ancient city with a history spanning over 2,000 years, is not only the capital of Israel but also one of the holiest places in the world. It is home to three major religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Each religion has left its own mark, creating a diverse and rich tapestry of culture and beliefs.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, visitors can admire historical monuments thousands of years old, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – believed to be the burial place of Jesus; the Mount of Olives with its panoramic views of the city; the Via Dolorosa – the path Jesus walked on his final journey; and the Wailing Wall – a sacred site for Jews and a must-see. These monuments not only hold religious significance but also symbolize the faith and enduring strength of a city that has weathered many historical events.
Recently, at the "City of David" archaeological site located southeast of Jerusalem, experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) discovered a massive underground structure – an ancient moat system estimated to date back to the Iron Age, nearly 3000 years ago, around the same time as biblical events such as King Solomon building the "Millo" structure.
Accordingly, the moat was more than 9 meters deep and over 30 meters wide, with two sheer cliffs acting as an extremely solid barrier, separating the southern residential area from the northern center of power. This is an important discovery, helping to shed light on biblical stories and further proving the geographical structure of the city from ancient times.
The moat is over 9 meters deep and more than 30 meters wide, with two sheer cliffs acting as an extremely solid barrier.
Mysterious stories are revealed.
According to Dr. Yiftah Shalev, the head of the excavation, the moat was not merely a defensive system but also a way for rulers to project their power. He said, “This moat clearly shows the division between the ruling class and the people, and is also a symbol of power, representing control and protection of the city.”
The ancient city of Jerusalem was built on a narrow hill, surrounded by deep valleys. When the moat was created, it took advantage of the natural terrain to form an incredibly strong protective wall. The leaders of that time not only knew how to build, but also understood how to exploit the advantages of nature to protect the city. This moat is clear evidence of that.
The sheer cliffs on each side made it impossible to cross.
Turning the pages of history
What's remarkable is that this discovery was predicted back in the 1960s by British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon. However, at that time, she only found a portion of the moat and concluded that it was merely a natural valley. It wasn't until now, with the help of modern technology, that archaeologists have been able to confirm that it was a man-made structure. They continued excavations and discovered that the moat was indeed a crucial part of the ancient city's defense system.
Eli Escusido, Director of the IAA, shared: “Standing at the bottom of this excavation, surrounded by massive stone walls, you can't help but be amazed by the talent and creativity of the people 3,800 years ago. They painstakingly carved and moved mountains to create this magnificent structure.”
The first people to settle in Jerusalem are believed to have arrived around the beginning of the Bronze Age, approximately 3500 BC.
A fascinating discovery for tourists.
This discovery is not only a milestone in archaeology, but also promises to attract more international tourists to explore Jerusalem's vibrant history. Here, visitors have the opportunity to see firsthand the ruins of one of the world's oldest cities. It's a chance to feel and better understand the lives of the ancient people, as well as their strength and talent in building a city that has endured through time.
More than just an excavation, discoveries like these clearly show that the stories in the Bible are not just myths but have deep historical and cultural roots. If you love historical adventures and want to enjoy a travel experience that is both exploratory and meaningful, then Jerusalem is definitely a destination you shouldn't miss.
