Archaeologists Uncover Intact Section of Ancient Jerusalem Wall From Hanukkah Era
VINnews••world
Key Points:
- Archaeologists have uncovered the longest continuous remains of the Hasmonean wall foundation in Jerusalem, dating back over 2,100 years to the period shortly after the Hanukkah story.
- The nearly 50-meter-long and 5-meter-wide wall foundation once supported walls taller than those surrounding Jerusalem’s Old City today and included 60 watchtowers over 10 meters high.
- Evidence suggests the wall was deliberately dismantled to a uniform height as part of a ceasefire agreement in 132-133 B.C. between Jewish King John Hyrcanus I and Hellenistic King Antiochus VII, marking a rare archaeological confirmation of historical texts.
- Some archaeologists propose the dismantling may also relate to King Herod’s construction
