Jerusalem’s Walls in the Early Islamic Period (c. The Byzantine walls mostly followed the lines and foundations of the earlier walls from the Second Temple period. A century after the Roman Empire’s conversion to Christianity, the city was renamed Jerusalem and its walls were greatly expanded by Empress Aelia Eudocia. However, the walls of the city remained in ruins until the end of the third century. Courtesy Nathan Steinmeyer.Īround 130 C.E., the city of Jerusalem was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian as a Roman settlement and renamed Aelia Capitolina. The late Eilat Mazar also suggested that King Solomon might have added to the defensive fortifications of Jerusalem (as mentioned in 1 Kings 3:1), but this interpretation is, again, debated among scholars.ĭormition Abbey, built on the foundations of a fifth-century basilica. ![]() However, it is not clear if this wall was in use for that whole period, as the archaeological evidence for Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age Jerusalem remains murky and hotly debated. The walls of the Canaanite city appear to have stood for around a thousand years, well into the time of the Israelite monarchy, with possible evidence of later repairs in the Iron Age. Archaeological and radiocarbon dating suggests to some that this was carried out as early as the 18th century B.C.E. 2000–586 B.C.E.)ĭuring the Middle Bronze Age, the city of Jerusalem was fortified for the first time, with walls having been found in several areas around the City of David and surrounding the strategically important Gihon Spring. ![]() Jerusalem’s Walls in the Bronze and Iron Ages (c. Courtesy Nathan Steinmeyer.Įxplore this wonder for yourself with this short video tour atop the walls of Jerusalem, led by Biblical Archaeology Review assistant editor Nathan Steinmeyer.
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