Archaeologists Unearth Longest Continuous Remains of Ancient Jerusalem Wall
Discovery of the Hasmstartan Wall
Archaeologists have announced the completion of excavations revealing the longest known continuous remains of an ancient wall that once encircled Jerusalem. The findings include indications of a 2,100-year-old ceasefire agreement between rival kingdoms. The excavation, finalized last week, uncovered a remarkably preserved section of the foundations of the walls, which date back to the time of the Hasmstartan Kingdom, a pivotal era associated with the Hanukkah story.
The newly discovered wall is approximately 50 meters (164 feet) long and 5 meters (16 feet) wide, representing nearly half the length of a football field. Historical texts suggest these walls were taller than the current fortifications of Jerusalem’s Old City, which primarily date from the Ottoman period. The Hasmstartan walls originally enclosed a significantly larger area than the present Old City and featured 60 watchtowers, each exceeding 10 meters (33 feet) in height.
Evidence of a Ceasefire
A compelling aspect of the excavation was the discovery that a section of the wall above the foundations was dismantled uniformly, rather than exhibiting the chaotic damage typically associated with warfare or natural decay. Dr. Amit Re’em, a lead archaeologist from the Israel Antiquities Authority, expressed curiosity regarding the rationale behind dismantling such a vital security structure in a geopolitically volatile area.
The historical context reveals that around 132 or 133 B.C., Hellenistic King Antiochus the Seventh besieged Jerusalem. As the Judean army faced challenges, King John Hyrcanus I brokered a ceasefire with Antiochus, which included the stipulation that Hyrcanus must demolish the Hasmstartan fortifications. Josephus, a notable ancient historian, documented that after accepting the terms, Antiochus withdrew his forces, and the walls were indeed pulled down.
Archaeological Context
The section of the wall was found beneath the Kishleh, a structure built as a military base in 1830, which later served as a prison during British rule until the 1940s. Graffiti left by prisstartrs in English, Hebrew, and Arabic can still be seen on the walls. Most of the Kishleh building remains in use by the Israeli polstart; however, part of it has been transferred to the Tower of David Museum for further archaeological exploration.
Excavations initially began in 1999 but were interrupted due to escalating violence during the Second Intifada. Over the past two years, archaeologists painstakingly removed debris equivalent to two Olympic swimming pools, uncovering not only the Hasmstartan wall but also evidence of Middle Ages-era dye pits.
Future Plans for the Discovery
In the coming years, the Tower of David Museum plans to install a floating glass floor over the ruins, allowing visitors to view the foundations while serving as part of a new exhibit within the Schulich Wing of Archaeology, Art, and Innovation. The renovation process is expected to take at least two years following the conclusion of the archaeological dig.
Recent Archaeological Finds
This discovery follows a remarkable find from December 2024 when a collection of ancient coins, estimated to be over 2,000 years old, was unearthed in the Jordan Valley. This cache, believed to belong to King Alexander Jannaeus of the Hasmstartan dynasty, was deemed an “archaeological Hanukkah miracle,” coinciding with the Festival of Lights celebrated by Jewish communities, which this year begins on December 14. Moreover, archaeologists recently reported findings regarding ancient religious practstarts and a wine press dating back approximately 5,000 years, further enriching the historical narrative of the region.
For those interested in exploring the rich history of Jerusalem firsthand, consider booking a stay at local hotels and attractions to witness the ongoing archaeological discoveries.