Archaeology Proves Biblical Moat

Recently, archaeologists made a significant discovery north of Jerusalem, proving the existence of a monumental ditch mentioned in the Bible. About 3,500 years old, the ditch was identified as part of the fortifications that protected the City of David. This structure was built by extracting rocks, physically separating the northern and southern regions of Israel. The discovery offers new perspectives on the history of Jerusalem and reinforces the accuracy of biblical accounts regarding the fortifications of the Kingdom of Judah.

This discovery is a milestone for biblical archaeology, providing tangible evidence that confirms ancient accounts, especially related to the "Milo" mentioned in the Book of Kings. The importance of this structure in the defense of the city highlights the power and ingenuity of the rulers of the time. Excavations continue to reveal fascinating details, illuminating ancient history with new findings and reaffirming the deep connection between archaeology and sacred texts.

For 150 years, investigators have worked to prove that the city was divided in two - as described in the Bible - and have now discovered the ditch that separated the residential area of the southern city from the high city in the north.

The ditch measured about 9 meters deep and nearly 30 meters wide, with perpendicular cliffs on each side that made it impassable.

The team stated that the findings confirmed that the ditch was created during the Iron Age – the same period when the Book of Kings and the Book of Samuel were written to describe the City of David being divided in two.

“This is a dramatic discovery that opens a renewed discussion about the terms of biblical literature that refer to the topography of Jerusalem, such as the Ophel and the Millo,” said researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

A reference can be found in the first Book of Kings (11:27), when King Solomon is described as building the structure, which was nicknamed 'Millo': '... Solomon built the 'Millo' and closed the gap in the wall of the city of David, his father.

The ancient city was the birthplace of Jerusalem and built by King David to unite Israel around a capital.

The site was built on top of a narrow and steep ridge overlooking hills and valleys that divided the terrain and made movement from one area to another difficult.

“It is not known when the ditch was originally opened, but evidence suggests that it was used during the centuries when Jerusalem was the capital of the Kingdom of Judah, nearly 3,000 years ago, starting with King Josiah,” said Dr. Yiftah Shalev, director of the excavation. "During those years, the ditch separated the residential part to the south of the city from the dominant Acropolis in the north; the high city where the palace and the temple were located."

The IAA confirmed that construction plans like this typically date back to the Middle Bronze Age – about 3,800 years ago.

"We are confident that [the ditch] was used during the time of the First Temple and the Kingdom of Judah [in the 9th century BC], thus creating a clear barrier between the residential city in the south and the high city in the north,” said Dr. Shalev.

According to investigators, the ditch was designed to alter the topography of the City of David to showcase the powers of the ruler of Jerusalem over others who entered through its gates and emphasize his strength and ability to defend its walls at the time.

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How was the “Milo” discovered?

The structure was first discovered in the 1960s by British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon, who noted that the ditch lay slightly east of the current Givati parking lot.

Kenyon thought the formation was merely a natural valley; however, her discovery turned out to be a continuation of the ditch that curved to the west.

“Once again, discoveries are being revealed that shed new and vivid light on biblical literature,” said Eli Escusido, Director of the IAA.

'When you are at the bottom of this giant excavation, surrounded by enormous excavated walls, it is impossible not to be awed and grateful for those ancient peoples who, about 3,800 years ago, literally moved mountains and hills.'

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