In 3,000-year-old wall, Israeli scholar sees evidence for biblical narrative
By APMonday, February 22, 2010
In ancient wall, scholar sees proof for Bible
JERUSALEM — An Israeli archaeologist says newly excavated ancient fortifications in Jerusalem date back 3,000 years to the time of the Bible’s King Solomon.
Archaeologist Eilat Mazar says pottery shards date the walls to the 10th century B.C. If she’s right, the findings would indicate a strong central government in Jerusalem then because building city walls demanded great resources and organization.
One school of archaeologists, including Mazar, believes the Hebrew kings David and Solomon were 10th century rulers. A second school argues that David’s monarchy was mythical.
Mazar says her findings provide support to the biblical account that David and Solomon ruled the city then.
Based on the wall’s age and location, she theorized Monday that it was built by Solomon.
