Folia Theologica 16. (2005)

Solomon Pasala: Archaeological Evidences for Solomonic period

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCES

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analysis of the Biblical texts. Now we shall turn our attention to the archeological evidence.

2. Solomon the Builder

Since the main purpose of our work is Archeological, it may be better to concentrate on the building works of Solomon, which are the only extra-Biblical sources lying underneath the debris.

Besides Jerusalem, Solomon is reported to have built Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer Lower Beth-horon, Baalath, and "Tamar in the wilderness, in the land of Judah" as well as unnamed fort-cities and cities for his horses and chariots (I Kgs 9/15- 19). The first four cities named can be identified with present-day Tell-el-Qedah, Tell-el-Mutesellim, Tell Jezer and Beit-Ur Tahta respectively.12

2.1. Archeological evidences for the Solomonic constructions:

2.1.1. Jerusalem

The archeological excavations at Jerusalem regarding the Solomonic period are rather discouraging in the sense that nothing of Solomon's temple has been found and it probably never will be, although it was located close to the site of the present day Dome of the Rock. Many suggestions have been made for the identification of inillo with the monumental stepped stone structure resting on a lower structure fill and leading up to the eastern slope of the City of David13. Even less is known about Solomon's palace.

2.1.2. HAZOR

Historically speaking, Hazor is first mentioned in the Egyptian Execration texts from the 19th century BC. It is first mentioned in the Bible in connection with the conquests of Joshua. The Bible relates that Jabin, king of Hazor, was at the head of a confederation of several Canaanite cities in the battle against Joshua at the waters of Merőm14.

12 M.J. MAXWELL - J.H. HA YES./l History of Ancient Israel and Judah, 210.

13 HERR. L.G, Iron Age H Period. Iron HA, in Biblical Archaeologist 60:3 ( 1997), 125.

14 Y.YAD1N, - A. BEN-TOR. «Hazor», The New encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in Holy Land 2 (Jerusalem 1993) 594.