A recent archaeological discovery in Jerusalem’s Old City has revealed a significant portion of a 2,100-year-old defensive Hasmonean wall, buried for centuries beneath the later ruins of King Herod’s palace. Experts say the find adds critical detail to the city’s history during a time of political upheaval and changing leadership.
The section of the wall, dating back to the second century BC, was uncovered in the Kishle compound near Jaffa Gate, once used as a British Mandate prison. Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Tower of David Museum reported that the structure stretches about 40 meters in length and is five meters wide, making it one of the most extensive remains from the Hasmonean period discovered in the city.
The Hasmonean dynasty, known for establishing Jewish independence during the second century B.C., played a key role in shaping Jerusalem’s defenses. The newly uncovered wall adds weight to historical records describing the city’s fortifications and offers a rare physical glimpse into that era.
Historical clues align with ancient siege descriptions
According to Amit Re’em, Jerusalem District archaeologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority, the wall appears to have been deliberately dismantled in antiquity. The lower part of the wall survived, but there were no signs of damage from warfare or natural erosion. This suggests the removal was planned, not forced by battle.
The discovery lines up with historical writings by Flavius Josephus, a Roman-era historian who described a siege of Jerusalem in 134 B.C. He claimed that John Hyrcanus I, a Hasmonean ruler, agreed to take down parts of the city’s walls and pay a large ransom to the Seleucid king Antiochus VII Sidetes in exchange for lifting the siege.
Supporting this account, researchers point to evidence found nearby in earlier excavations — catapult stones and arrowheads that may have been used during that same military event.
Hasmonean wall found beneath Herod’s royal foundations
A second theory focuses on King Herod, who ruled nearly a century after the Hasmoneans. The location of the wall — directly beneath the foundation of Herod’s palace — suggests he may have ordered the wall’s removal himself. Re’em explains this could have been a deliberate effort to distance his reign from that of the Hasmoneans, both politically and symbolically.
Herod’s massive palace, described in detail by Josephus, was built over the remains of earlier structures. The uncovered Hasmonean wall lies between layers from the First Temple period below and Herod’s palace above, placing its construction firmly within the Hasmonean timeframe. Pottery and coins found at the site also match that era.
Since the wall was built using dry-stone methods, which do not involve organic material, radiocarbon dating was not possible. However, researchers used the layering of materials — known as stratigraphic analysis — to determine its relative age.
Ancient history on display at Tower of David Museum
The excavation has also revealed a smaller section of an even older wall from the First Temple period. Researchers are currently analyzing that layer with more precise dating methods. Both discoveries come as the Tower of David Museum prepares to open a new wing — the Schulich Wing — where these findings will be part of the public display.
Eilat Lieber, the museum’s director, said visitors will soon be able to walk above the ancient remains on transparent flooring, providing a unique opportunity to explore Jerusalem’s deeply layered past.