Archaeologists in Jerusalem have uncovered substantial fortifications that would have shielded the city in antiquity. 

“This is a significant discovery that reopens the discussion about the terminology used in biblical literature to describe Jerusalem’s topography, such as the Ophel and the Millo,” according to Professor Yuval Gadot, excavation director on behalf of Tel Aviv University. 

Dr. Yiftach Shalev, the excavation director for the Antiquities Authority, added that “We are confident that it was used during the time of the First Temple and the Kingdom of Judah … so it creates a clear barrier between the residential area to the south and the upper city to the north.” 

Israeli archaeologists dedicate substantial time and resources to exploring the ancient city, which helps provide evidence for ancient narratives and assertions about Jerusalem that many have otherwise attributed to myth. 

This particular discovery of a moat and walls assists researchers in understanding the structure of the ancient city: is attributed as the core of the original and ancient city of Jerusalem where King David traveled to unite Israel as one capital city, according to the . 

The discovery also helps redefine the city’s shape and will prompt researchers to reevaluate descriptions of the city and its boundaries within biblical accounts, the researchers said. 

The date of the excavated moat remains unknown, but Shalev argued that often such “significant construction projects and quarrying in Jerusalem are usually dated to the Middle Bronze Age – about 3,800 years ago,” which would align broadly with Jewish histories that talk of David traveling to Jerusalem 3,000 years ago. 

“If the moat was dug during this period, then it was intended to protect the city from the north – the only weak point of the City of David slope,” Shalev said.

The researchers contend that the fortification was created by massive quarrying of the rock used to create the moat, with perpendicular cliffs “that could not be climbed” found on both sides of the moat – which puzzled the excavators until they realized they were looking at a fortification line. 

Ancient Jerusalem sat on a narrow and steep spur, and many of the construction tasks for the city looked at helping reshape the topography of the surrounding area – all activities that the Bible references, such as in the first book of Kings where it discusses King Solomon’s task of building up the “Millo,” or supporting terraces, and “close the breach of the city.”

The results of the excavation will be presented at the City of David’s “Jerusalem Studies Experience” Conference, taking place in early August.