Behind | Jerusalem: City of David

Israel’s original Jerusalem was the “City of David”—the mound to the left and below the upper walled platform where Solomon would later build the Temple.

The strategic location of Jerusalem at a natural crossroad was enhanced by a reliable water source, the Gihon Spring.

Joab captured Jerusalem for David by surprising the Jebusites who lived there. He may have climbed up this shaft.

The City of David excavations have exposed houses on the slope from the time of David. The king would have been able to see into these homes from his palace above.