Archaeologists Discover New Walls Surrounding Jerusalem In The Second Temple Period

Israeli archaeologists unveiled on Wednesday a 2,100-year-old Jerusalem perimeter wall, along with artifacts left behind by 19th century researchers who first discovered the stone defenses. The wall, on Mount Zion at the southern edge of Jerusalem's Old City, dates back to the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Archeologists say the location of the wall indicates that Jerusalem had expanded to the south at the time, reaching its largest size in biblical times.The ancient wall on Mount Zion had disappeared from view by the time a similar stone barrier, also uncovered in the dig, was built at the site during the Byzantine period more than 250 years later. Nonetheless, the second wall followed almost exactly the same path as the first.The 3.2-meter high wall was not supported by mortar or any other bonding material and formed part of a six-kilometer long fortification around the city. In comparison, the present wall around Jerusalem's Old City is only four kilometers in circumference. The ancient wall was destroyed by the Roman armies of Titus during the destruction of the Second temple which sent the Jewish people into exile for almost 2,000 years. 09/07/08

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