An ancient wall uncovered outside of Jerusalem's Old City matches those described in the Bible during the time of King Solomon, reports ChristianPost.com.
According to archeologist Dr. Eliat Mazar, the wall dates back some 3,000 years, and would indicate that Jerusalem had a strong central government at that time because it required organization, resources and workers to build the massive structure. "A comparison of this latest finding with city walls and gates from the period of the First Temple, as well as pottery found at the site, enable us to postulate, with a great degree of assurance, that the wall that has been revealed is that which was built by King Solomon in Jerusalem in the latter part of the tenth century BCE [Before the Christian Era]," Mazar told The Jerusalem Post.
The archeologist notes that the Old Testament passage of 1 Kings 3:1 says that King Solomon built the temple and his new palace, and surrounded them with a city that was most likely connected to the ancient wall of the City of David. "This is the first time that a structure from that time has been found that may correlate with written descriptions of Solomon's building in Jerusalem."
The section of the wall uncovered is nearly 230 feet long and 20 feet high and is located in the area known as the Ophel, between the City of David and the south wall that surrounds the Temple Mount. A 20-foot-high gatehouse has also been uncovered that is part of the wall, as well. In addition, a large watchtower exists that has yet to be fully excavated.
Pottery remnants have been found on the floor of the royal building near the gatehouse that date back to the 10th century B.C., supporting the archaeologists' claim about the age of the wall. And on jar handles are the words, "to the king," indicating its use by the monarchy.
