BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

What Are These Strange Markings Found Near Jerusalem’s Gihon Spring?

Archaeologists from the City of David, Jerusalem, want your ideas

Gihon Spring markings

The function of these strange, V-shaped markings discovered near the Gihon Spring in the City of David (Jerusalem) has completely baffled archaeologists. Submit your ideas below for what you think they might be.

Last December, excavations near the Gihon Spring in the City of David, Jerusalem, uncovered three strange V-shaped markings that completely stumped archaeologists Eli Shukron and Ronny Reich. The mysterious shapes, each of which measures about 1.5 feet in length, are carved into the bedrock floor of a room that was in use, according to dated pottery sherds, until at least the late ninth century B.C.E. Unfortunately, the archaeologists found few clues to indicate either the meaning or function of the carvings.

Rather than remaining secretive and aloof about the puzzling discovery near the Gihon Spring, the archaeologists and the City of David Foundation issued a press release with a rare request to the public for help in identifying these mysterious carvings from the City of David.

The response was overwhelming. Tens of thousands of people took to Facebook and reposted on other social media outlets to offer their suggestions about what the Gihon Spring markings could be—from a torture device or molds for smelting iron to a representation of mountains or the symbol for water.

But the code still hasn’t been cracked. Submit your ideas below and see if you can unlock the mystery of these ancient carvings.
 


 
Based on Strata, “Archaeologists Offer Public a Glimpse Behind the Curtain,” Biblical Archaeology Review, March/April 2012.


44 Responses:

  1. arlis johnson says:

    what was discovered in the room behind and to the left of Dr. Eli Shukron? What is beyond the edge of the floor, in which the carvings are located, in front of him as well? This contextual setting might help provide further insight into its function. Where is it located in relation to geographically significant resources (springs, creeks, etc.)?

  2. Lisa Liel says:

    Check the recessed areas for microscopic remains of metal or wood. It was probably to help something stand or remain stable.

  3. Patty Tyler says:

    I am studying the idea that this may be some form of the Priestly Blessing, when inverted, the markings are similar to that of the hand gestures: v v
    ^
    please email me at: [email protected] for more.

  4. Patty Tyler says:

    Or visit http://www.facebook.com/JewishJesusDaily where we have posted this article and have started a discussion.

  5. King Calm says:

    I think it is farily clear that there is no code here at all, but rather the grooves are meant to keep in place a set of 3 specialized drafting compasses. The rectangular groove is likely for a kind of allen key to lock the radius of the compass. QED

  6. Sonia Ignoto User says:

    I cannot begin to imagine what these markings indicate however the marking on the furthest right sure does look an awful lot like the marking above the so-called Jesus tomb entrance; just an observation!

  7. warren saks says:

    It could be that these are markings (signatures) are test patterns of stone masons ?

  8. warren saks says:

    Although King has the most accurate answer I presume…

  9. BILL Skibinski says:

    I think it has something to do with ancient aliens.

  10. Lawrence J. Gardner says:

    Obviously stands for Aqua Viva.

Write a Reply or Comment

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44 Responses:

  1. arlis johnson says:

    what was discovered in the room behind and to the left of Dr. Eli Shukron? What is beyond the edge of the floor, in which the carvings are located, in front of him as well? This contextual setting might help provide further insight into its function. Where is it located in relation to geographically significant resources (springs, creeks, etc.)?

  2. Lisa Liel says:

    Check the recessed areas for microscopic remains of metal or wood. It was probably to help something stand or remain stable.

  3. Patty Tyler says:

    I am studying the idea that this may be some form of the Priestly Blessing, when inverted, the markings are similar to that of the hand gestures: v v
    ^
    please email me at: [email protected] for more.

  4. Patty Tyler says:

    Or visit http://www.facebook.com/JewishJesusDaily where we have posted this article and have started a discussion.

  5. King Calm says:

    I think it is farily clear that there is no code here at all, but rather the grooves are meant to keep in place a set of 3 specialized drafting compasses. The rectangular groove is likely for a kind of allen key to lock the radius of the compass. QED

  6. Sonia Ignoto User says:

    I cannot begin to imagine what these markings indicate however the marking on the furthest right sure does look an awful lot like the marking above the so-called Jesus tomb entrance; just an observation!

  7. warren saks says:

    It could be that these are markings (signatures) are test patterns of stone masons ?

  8. warren saks says:

    Although King has the most accurate answer I presume…

  9. BILL Skibinski says:

    I think it has something to do with ancient aliens.

  10. Lawrence J. Gardner says:

    Obviously stands for Aqua Viva.

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


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