|
|
|
|
Area G Review
Read our Jerusalem sights reviews. Or post your own.
Area G
- Address: Off Ophel Rd., Silwan, Jerusalem
- Phone: 02/626-2341
- www.cityofdavid.org.il
- Category: Archaeological Sites
- Location: Silwan
Fodor's Review:
Archaeologists have dug up bits of the City of David for well over a century – notably Charles Warren in the 1860s, and Kathleen Kenyon a hundred years later. The most thorough expedition, however, was led by Israeli archaeologist Yigal Shiloh from 1978 to 1985. In this locale, he confirmed that the angular pieces of the city wall, seen at the top, are indeed the 2nd century BC construction that the historian Josephus Flavius dubbed the First Wall. On the other hand, he redated the sloping "stepped structure" to at least the 10th century BC, the time of Israelite kings David and Solomon, when it apparently supported a palace or fortification on the crest of the ridge. In the 7th century BC, a house (now partially restored on a platform) was built against it.
The most intriguing artifacts are 51 bullae, clay seals used for documents, just as hot wax might be used today, with personal names impressed on them in ancient Hebrew script. All of the seals were found in one chamber, suggesting that it was used as an archive or a royal office. This idea was reinforced by the biblical name on one of the seals: Gemariah ben Shafan, the royal secretary in the days of Jeremiah. The clay seals were baked into pottery by a fire, apparently during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
- Cost: NIS 23, guided tour NIS 50 (includes admission)
- Open: Sun.–Thurs. 9–5, Fri. and Jewish holiday eves 9–1, last entrance 1 1/2 hours before closing; tours in English.
Get Advice From Other Travelers
- Fresh sights from the old city of Jerusalem
0 responses; most recent on 09/02/2008, 10:32 pm - Hotels Jerusalem/Tel Aviv
1 responses; most recent on 08/16/2008, 01:30 am - Novotel Hotel in Jerusalem
2 responses; most recent on 08/12/2008, 09:30 pm - What to wear in Cairo and Jerusalem
6 responses; most recent on 08/12/2008, 10:58 am
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>
- Adventure Travel from
-
Israel Experience
Everywhere you turn, you'll see reminders... -
Botswana Experience
This fascinating six night flying safari features... -
Botswana Experience & Moremi Reserve
Six night fly-in safari featuring luxury bush-lodges... -
Cape to Cairo Experience
Africa's ultimate journey...
Buy the Guidebook
-
$21.95
-
$22
Get the Fodor's Newsletter
Read the current issue
For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Browse previous issues.
