The city of Jerusalem was originally built around the Gihon Spring, on the southeastern hill to the south (left) of the Temple Mount, which is today crowned with the gold-domed Dome of the Rock. Jerusalem has been continuously inhabited since at least 3000 BC, but it was only in the time of Solomon that the city limits expanded beyond the southeastern spur, known today as the “City of David.”

The City of David was very narrow; about 260–330 feet (80–100 m) wide. The east side has a steep slope of about 60 degrees. Though smaller, steeper and more difficult for construction than the Western Hill, the City of David was chosen because of its water source, the Gihon Spring. The Kidron Valley borders the city on its east side.

Revealed in the excavations of Duncan and Macalister, Kenyon and Shiloh, this is one of the largest Iron Age structures in Israel. The structure has been revealed to a height of 60 feet (18 m), and it is dated to the end of the Jebusite city (12th century BC). The structure probably supported a royal building, such as the king’s palace. Archaeologists now believe that they have uncovered part of that palace (NY Times article and photo).

This is a typical Israelite four-room house. The outside stairway presumably led to the flat roof. The outside of Ahiel’s house (east) was poorly preserved, but the western side on the hill was well preserved. Inside the house were found cosmetics and housewares all from the ruins of 586 BC.

Recent excavations by Reich and Shukrun revealed a lower city wall from the late Iron Age (time of Hezekiah?) which ran along the eastern slope of the City of David near the bottom of the Kidron Valley. The modern structure above the wall is the new visitor’s center under construction to allow tourists to view the Siloam Channel.

Four toilets have been found in the City of David—two in Shiloh’s excavations and two earlier. One found by the Parker Expedition was saluted as the throne of Solomon. Father Vincent said, “I fear its actual destination was at once more private and naturally necessary….” Another was found by Kenyon only a few yards from Area G.