One of the most important discovery from the city of David is this enormous stepped stone structure (1200-1300 BC). The structure served as a retaining wall for the citadel above it, probably same as the "stronghold of Zion" captured by King David from Jebusites. The four-pillared ancient house facing us is called the 'House of Ahiel', because the name appears on the potsherds found there. The quality of construction indicates that the place was inhabited by people of stature. A toilet and furniture of imported wood was excavated from this area dating from the same period!
The other interesting findings from the site are over 5o bullae. Bullae are clay lumps onto which a seal is stamped. Names of people in ancient Hebrew including Biblical characters are are found on the bullae. Surviving 2600 years in the debris of the destruction, these magnificent one-centimeter piece of clay came to us complete and in perfect condition retaining the names of biblical personalities like Gemaryahu son of Shafan (Jeremiah 36:10), Azaryahu son of Hilkiyahu (I Chronicles 9:10), Jucal the son of Shelemiah (Jeremiah 38:1), Gedaliah the son of Pashur (Jeremiah 38:1). The findings are breakthrough for biblical archaeology and dramatic proof of the accuracy of the Old Testament. This site is an archaeological heaven and excavations are still going on aggressively.
The other interesting findings from the site are over 5o bullae. Bullae are clay lumps onto which a seal is stamped. Names of people in ancient Hebrew including Biblical characters are are found on the bullae. Surviving 2600 years in the debris of the destruction, these magnificent one-centimeter piece of clay came to us complete and in perfect condition retaining the names of biblical personalities like Gemaryahu son of Shafan (Jeremiah 36:10), Azaryahu son of Hilkiyahu (I Chronicles 9:10), Jucal the son of Shelemiah (Jeremiah 38:1), Gedaliah the son of Pashur (Jeremiah 38:1). The findings are breakthrough for biblical archaeology and dramatic proof of the accuracy of the Old Testament. This site is an archaeological heaven and excavations are still going on aggressively.
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