Second Temple Housing Found

February 5, 2008

Dr. Dorn Ben Ami of the Hebrew University has been digging in the area for the past seven months and explained his findings at a press conference. He explained that in their dig, they found remains ranging from the Early Islamic Period (AD 641–1099) down to the Second Temple Period (517 BC–AD 70).

Dr. Ben Ami explained that the two-storey, multi-room structure they found could be part of a large palace complex. However, they have so far found no inscriptions or other evidence to support this. He did say that “the dimensions of its impressive walls and the architectural wealth indicate beyond a doubt that this was a prominent landmark in the urban landscape of Jerusalem” in the Second Temple Period. Pottery and coins found at the site indicate that the building was destroyed along with the rest of the city in the year AD 70 by the Romans. A later Byzantine structure was built on top of the remains of the previous building and even recycled some of its stones.

The site is located at the very top of the City of David, just below the area known as the Ophel and outside the Dung Gate. Its prime location close to the Temple Mount meant that the residents there would likely have been wealthy.

By Will King, Correspondent, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio

Photo Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority