Bible Archeology Discoveries

The remains are central to discussions of Jerusalem’s size and importance before and during the early monarchy. Their interpretation remains contested and should not be presented as settled proof of David’s palace.

Excavations near the top of the City of David revealed large stone walls and foundations that archaeologist Eilat Mazar called the Large Stone Structure. She proposed that they belonged to a royal building from the time of David and suggested a connection with the palace described in the Bible.

Other researchers question whether all the walls belonged to one building or were constructed at the same time. Some place important phases earlier, in the period of Jebusite Jerusalem; others propose later construction or reuse. The remains show substantial building activity, but no inscription identifies the structure as David’s palace or the residence of a Jebusite king.