The Jerusalem Post reports on the conclusion of excavations in the City of David around the Gihon Spring. Under the direction of Ronny Reich and Eli Shukrun, excavations were focused on the water systems of ancient Jerusalem for about 15 years. This brief article and accompanying video focuses on one aspect of the dig—the Canaanite fortress built over the spring.

“The Spring Citadel was built in order to save and protect the water of the city from enemies coming to conquer it, as well as to protect the people going down to the spring to get water and bring it back up to the city,” said Director of Development in the City of David, Oriya Dasberg.
The citadel is believed to have protected the Gihon spring, described in the Book of Kings as the location of King Solomon’s anointing.
The Spring Citadel is the largest Canaanite fortress yet discovered in Israel, and is believed to be the largest known fortress pre-dating the reign of King Herod, according to the IAA.

A two-minute video explains what they found and why it took so long. The best resource on the excavation is Ronny Reich’s Excavating the City of David.

New excavations have begun on the eastern slope of the City of David under Tel Aviv University.