Structure discovered in Jerusalem’s City of David dates back to the first temple, study finds
Fox News is offering special access to select articles and premium content for free when users join their platform. By simply entering an email address and agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, users can unlock a wealth of information and news. One recent discovery highlighted by Fox News is an ancient structure uncovered on the eastern slope of the City of David inside Jerusalem Walls National Park.
According to a new study, this structure is believed to have been used for ritual practices during the time of the First Temple. The excavation revealed eight rooms containing various items such as an altar, a standing stone, an oil press, and a wine press. The excavation director, Eli Shukron, explained in an article published in the scientific journal Antiqot that the structure may have been used for cultic or religious practices by residents of Judah.
The study suggests that the structure dates back to the First Temple period and was uncovered during excavations performed by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the City of David. This ritual structure is the only one of its kind from this period found in Jerusalem, making it a significant and rare discovery.
Shukron’s research proposed that the structure, comprised of eight rock-hewn rooms, was used for ritualistic purposes and is located only a few hundred meters away from the Temple on the Temple Mount. The structure covers an area of about 220 square meters and each room served a different purpose, such as oil and wine production.
Mysterious carvings were discovered on the structure’s floor, with researchers speculating that they may have been used as a base for ritual activities. Additionally, a small cave adjacent to the structure contained a cache of items dating back to the 8th century BCE, including cooking pots, jars with ancient Hebrew inscriptions, loom weights, scarabs, stamped seals, and grinding stones.
Shukron and his team believe that the structure was used until the 8th century BCE, when King Hezekiah ruled and implemented religious reforms. The Bible describes how Hezekiah centralized worship at the Temple in Jerusalem, abolishing ritual sites across the kingdom.
Overall, this discovery in the City of David continues to unearth Jerusalem’s rich Biblical heritage, offering insight into the city’s past and its significance for billions around the world. The ongoing excavations in the City of David provide a unique opportunity to explore and understand the historical and cultural importance of Jerusalem.