Solomonic gate and tower
Context
Eilat Mazar was an Israeli archaeologist born in 1956 and died in 2021, specializing in Jerusalem and Phoenician archaeology. She was the granddaughter of pioneering archaeologist Benjamin Mazar and led excavations in the City of David, including the discovery of structures dated to the tenth century BCE.
What Was Found
In 2010, archaeologist Eilat Mazar announced the discovery of part of the ancient city walls in the City of David, Jerusalem. This includes a gate and tower that are believed to date to the tenth century BCE. The findings suggest a regime capable of such construction in Jerusalem during that time.
Why This Matters
The discovery indicates a regime capable of advanced construction in Jerusalem during the tenth century BCE.
Acceptance Assessment
Debated Among Scholars
What Scholars Debate
Some archaeologists, such as Aren Maeir, are skeptical about the dating of these structures to the 10th century BCE and the evidence for a strong state in Jerusalem during that period.