Canaanite Fortress Discovered in the City of David
Bible and archaeology news
A massive 3,800-year-old fortress that protected the Gihon Spring was uncovered in the City of David. Photo: Eli Mandelbaum, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Excavations around the Gihon Spring in the City of David uncovered a massive 3,800-year-old fortress. Called the “Spring Citadel” by archaeologists, the discovery was part of a 19-year excavation led by Professor Ronny Reich of the University of Haifa and Eli Shukron of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
This enormous 18th-century B.C.E. structure that isolates and protects the Gihon Spring is believed to be the fortress described in the Book of Samuel that King David conquered:
The king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, even the blind and the lame will turn you back”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, which is now the city of David.
2 Samuel 5:6–7
Jerusalem lies at the heart of Biblical archaeology. In the free eBook Jerusalem Archaeology: Exposing the Biblical City, learn about the latest finds in the Biblical world’s most vibrant city.
The Gihon Spring was also the site where King Solomon was crowned, according to the Book of Kings:
King David said, “Summon to me the priest Zadok, the prophet Nathan, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” When they came before the king, the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord, and have my son Solomon ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. There let the priest Zadok and the prophet Nathan anoint him king over Israel; then blow the trumpet, and say, “Long live King Solomon!”
1 Kings 1:32–34
According to Oriya Dasberg, director of development in the City of David, “The Spring Citadel was built in order to save and protect the water of the city from enemies coming to conquer it, as well as to protect the people going down to the spring to get water and bring it back up to the city.”
With 23-foot-thick walls comprised of stone blocks up to ten feet wide, the Spring Citadel represents the largest Canaanite fortress discovered thus far in Israel.
Read more about the Canaanite fortress uncovered at the Gihon Spring.
This Bible History Daily feature was originally published in April 7, 2014.
Related reading in Bible History Daily:
For Rent or Buy: Apartments with a Canaanite Fortress in the Basement
The Seleucid Akra: 2,200-Year-Old Jerusalem Fortress Uncovered?
Excavating the City of David is the definitive book on the City of David—the oldest part of Jerusalem—by City of David excavator Ronny Reich. Learn about the Siloam Tunnel, Warren’s Shaft system, Siloam Inscription, Theodotos Inscription and Pool of Siloam in this must-read publication.
Related Posts
Must-Read Free eBooks
Want more Bible history?
Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update.
Unlock Unlimited Access to the Bible's Past
Unlock Unlimited Access to the Bible's Past
Become an All-Access Member to explore the Bible's rich history. Get Biblical Archaeology Review in print, full online access, and FREE online talks. Plus, enjoy special Travel/Study discounts. Don't miss out—begin your journey today!
Since there is no extra-Biblical evidence for David or Solomon (except for Dan, if you’re a believer) I suppose they can be placed anywhere needed in time, but 1800BCE seems awfully early for David.
It seems that is was more than 800 years old when David conquered it.
18th century B.CE. That doesn’t match up time with the story of David. 3800 years ago is long before David, even before Moses: about the time of Abraham.
these live feeds of new discoveries keep me on edge like some sort of suspenseful movie THANKS.
Interesting ‘coz nothing can hide God’s Mighty Work, nor Hus awesome Presence in History ‘ coz its HIS -STORY.
Keep it up…stay bless.
This fortress gives creedence to the apearance of Melchizedek, king of Salem ,after a battle in Genesis 14:18, since we know of archaeological evidence of a battle taking place arouind the Gihon Spring in the 18th century B.C.E.
Read the article. It doesn’t say David was around in 1800 B.C. It says the fortress was, which aligns with the biblical account of Melchizedek (as I think someone already pointed out). Don’t be so quick to poopoo the evidence until you’ve actually read what the person wrote.
To all those who point out the obvious, that 3800 years ago is 800 years before David… you are thinking like Americans! Here in Europe there are lots of buildings still in use that are 800 years old. Unless destroyed by war or earthquake, a building of that nature would have been in use for many hundreds of years. Here we tell a joke that for Europeans 100 miles is a long distance while for Americans 100 years is a long time! We have to wait until the archaeologists give a date for destruction.
Very interesting. It fits with what I saw in Israel last month in sites like Tel Megiddo – the layering of historic artifacts. At Megiddo it was the spring (among other things like strategic location) as well that was the draw for generations to layer the Tel with their record. Actually it seems every site has layering of some sort – even the Holy Christian sites dedicated to be “the spot” that something happened have a church layer over them now – often several church layers. Thanks for the article, information and updates!
@John what you said is incorrect. They have found a small stone carved that said “we have conquered the house of David” If the story of David was not true they would not have found the stone.