Walls of Jerusalem

The First Wall

This post is about the walls of Jerusalem, in particular the first wall. So after the Babylonian Captivity and the Persian conquest of Babylonia, Cyrus II of Persia allowed the Jews to return to the province of Judea and rebuild their Temple. It took to compete the walls till 516 BCE or 430 BCE. Then, the Persian King allowed Ezra and Nehemia to return and rebuild the city’s walls and govern Judea which was under under Persian rule.



Some More About Walls of Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s walls were extended and rehabilitated during the Second Temple Period, developing what Josephus calls the First Wall. Herod the Great Added what Josephus called the Second Wall somewhere between today’s Jaffa Gate and Temple Mt. Agrippa I (r. 41-44 CE). Later began the construction of another wall. Scholarly research calls it ‘the Third Wall,’ completed just at the beginning of the First Jewish-Roman War. Some remains of this wall are located today near the Mandelbaum Gate gas station.

Walls of Jerusalem: Jerusalem is Expanding to the Western Hill

During the Hasmonean Period, the settlement in Jerusalem grew and expanded onto the western hill. The wall built by Hezekiah to fortify the mountain of the west, which had lain in ruins since 586 BCE., was now repaired and rebuilt. Portions of this wall survive. Including inside the courtyard of the Citadel, a medieval and Ottoman Period fortified enclosure at the northwest corner of the western hill.

Archaeology of Biblical Jerusalem 

Archaeologists identify the Hasmonean wall with the First Wall described by Josephus. The stones in the wall are laid in alternating courses of headers and stretchers. Furthermore, they have drafted margins with rough, protruding bosses. This means that the four edges (margins) are cut back and smooth, whereas the central part (the boss) is unworked. These techniques are characteristic of monumental construction in the late Hellenistic period. For example, they are seen on the seam’s north side at the Temple Mount’s southeast corner.


In This Photo: The Model of Second Temple Jerusalem Showing the Walls of the City, On Display at the Israel Museum

When touring the City of David, you can see the eastern section of the First Wall and its two towers in Area G. The two towers were discovered by Macalister and Duncan during their archaeological excavations of this site in 1923. Erroneously, they named this site the “Jebusite Bastion.” From the archaeological excavation carried out here by Kanyon and Shiloh. But it is now apparent that they are the remains of Hasmonean fortifications. Even Though Hasmonean-style cut stones, such as those from this wall’s northern or western section, have not been found.


Gates-of-the-Old-City-of-Jerusalem-Sign
In This Photo: The Current Walls of the City.

Walls of Jerusalem: Mentionings In the Book of Maccabees

The Book of Maccabees states that the Hasmonean rulers carried out restoration work on the walls of Jerusalem several times. In addition, we find the building style is not always identical. This leads researchers to the conclusion that certain sections were built at different times. Another chance to see the first wall is just outside Jaffa Gate. There, you can see it’s a different construction style than the one at the City of David. But without a doubt, it is dated to the same time.

Jerusalem Jewish Heritage Tour
In This Photo: The Western Wall


Moreover, It is one of the rare opportunities to see the first wall without getting lost in the Old City. Do you want to see more sections of the Walls of Jerusalem? So join one of my private tours! Then I like to show my guests all three of the different wall systems. In fact, there is one at the Cardo that is my favorite spot to show it. It is where two ancient walls meet each other.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Simon Peter

RELATED POSTS

Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele is one of the most exceptional biblical archaeological artifacts ever found. The Stele match certain events in the Bible.

What Is Continuity of Cult?

What Is Continuity of Cult? Well, this is a very important idea in Archaeology that when touring the Holy Land you should know more in-depth!

Lachish Reliefs

The Lachish Reliefs portray the siege and capture of the Judean city of Lachish in 701 BCE. This event is also recorded in the Bible!

The Tomb of Jesus

Where Is the Tomb of Jesus? Well, today there are two different traditions regarding the burial site of Jesus Christ. One is quite recent.

Ancient Jerusalem’s Water Systems

Ancient Jerusalem's water systems were built to provide water for the city's inhabitants and to sustain its agricultural activities.

Gabbatha (Lithostrotos)

The Lithostrotos refers to an ancient, paved section of the Roman Forum built by emperor Hadrian in the old city of Jerusalem.

Kebara 2 Skeleton

In this post, we delve into the significance of the Kebara 2 skeleton, shedding light on its discovery, its importance to paleoanthropology.

Philistine Bichrome Ware

Philistine Bichrome Ware is a distinctive type of pottery produced by the Philistines during the Iron Age (1200-586 BCE).

Qafzeh Cave

Qafzeh Cave is a prehistoric site in Lower Galilee  at the foot of Mount Precipice, The cave shows first evidence of symbolic behavior.

Pilate Stone

The Pilate stone is a carved inscription attributed to and mentioning Pontius Pilate, a Roman prefect of Judaea from CE 26 to 36.

Need help?

Skip to content