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Ancient Iron Age Moat Solves Centuries-Old Jerusalem Mystery

Jul 21, 2024 1 min read

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Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Tel Aviv University have uncovered a massive moat dating back approximately 3,800 years in Jerusalem's City of David. This significant find, located near the present-day Dung Gate, measures at least nine meters deep and 30 meters wide. The moat was created through extensive quarrying and likely served to protect the upper city from the lower city, reinforcing the city's fortifications during the Iron Age period when Jerusalem was the capital of the Kingdom of Judah.

The discovery, which solves a long-standing archaeological puzzle about Jerusalem's ancient defenses, was made during the Givati Parking Lot excavations. Researchers believe the moat required significant engineering skills and resources to construct and was designed to convey strength and power. This monumental fortification divided the city between the extension of the City of David and the areas above, including the Temple Mount and the Ofel. The findings will be presented to the public at the "Innovations in the Archaeology of Jerusalem" conference on August 1.

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