One of Israel's more important archaeological sites is called the "City of David." The City of David, situated just outside the old city of Jerusalem, contains some of the earliest remnants of the town, featuring essential artifacts from the period when this was David's kingdom and the site served as his capital. If you wish to explore the City of David, you can have a map of City of David.

The City of David's Brief History

People built ancient Jerusalem on a hill beyond a prominent spring known as the Gihon Spring. The earliest artifacts confirmed that people lived in this area 5000 years ago. According to the Book of Samuel, David established his capital of the United Kingdom after capturing the location some 3000 years ago. 

Even though the Bible eventually called it "Jerusalem," he called it the "City of David." David's son Solomon erected a royal tomb and a temple on the hilltop above the city. Jerusalem, the city of David, remarkably withstood an Assyrian invasion in 701 BCE but was eventually overrun and ruined by the Babylonians.

Approximately 70 years after its populace's catastrophic devastation and exile, parties of Jews could go back to Jerusalem and repopulate it. The City of David was ultimately abandoned and left outside the city walls due to the city's growth to the north during the Maccabean era. 

The region was used as farmland in the 19th century. However, Muslims returned to a portion of the area after Jerusalem's growth in the middle of the 20th century.

Resettling The City of David

The community, known as "Silwan" in Arabic, is a Muslim district that makes it challenging to examine and dig into the area. Yet, several finds were uncovered over time at numerous places across the region. The ELAD group has recently taken the lead in the majority of growth. 

The city of David has become the most extensively explored and established tourist destination in Israel thanks to its administration. If you never have visited this area it is recommended that you get yourself a map of City of David.

Visiting The City of David

The capital of Judea, or even of a unified Israel and Judea, was constructed here by the first King David of the Bible, but archaeologists debate the details. There was undoubtedly a settlement here before, dating a long time ago. A nature reserve is currently working to restore the ruins of what was probably David's castle and other structures so that visitors can see the old city. 

Because the present city has evolved throughout the years on top of ancient buildings, it is just a partial excavation.

Talking About Water

The tour finishes focusing more on waterways than it did on structures. The Gihon spring, located in a valley under the city, provides the community with water. The city's defenses went all the way to the springs and downhill.

Adjacent, the Canaanite city dwellers excavated a pool from the bedrock and a canal for the spring water to approach the pool in the 18th century BCE. By adding defenses around the pool, the city might have water even during a siege or war.

The Tunnel of Siloam

The older Siloam tunnel, which dates to around 2700 years ago during the time of King Hezekiah and is recorded in 2 Kings 20:20, is the tour's high point. The other things that took place under Hezekiah's rule include his accomplishments, including how he built the pool and the tube that delivered water into the town. 

Hezekiah gave the order to construct the tunnel so the city might resist an Assyrian siege. The ensuing tunnel, 533 meters in length, was hacked through the bedrock beneath the town to transport water from the Gihon spring to the Siloam pool. It is accessible for guests to walk within and is still channeling water today.

Is it worthwhile to travel to the City of David?

The City of David National Park, which costs 45 shekels for a group tour, is unquestionably worthwhile for anyone interested in learning more about Jerusalem's detailed and protracted history. A 15-minute history-recapitulating film is included in the admission price. The experience depends heavily on the tour guide.

Having a guided tour is also great for first-timers, but walking around the city on your own is also great as you can experience the city on your own and try much more things alone than doing it with a team.

Touring The City of David With Map of City of David

The King David Palace The City of David is home to several historical, scenic spots. A curved subterranean tunnel from Canaanite times leads to a 15 meters karstic shaft called after its originator — Warren's shaft — a few of which are on top of the enormous hills discovered in Area G. The suspected ruins of King David's palace are displayed beneath the tourists' center.

The "dry" Canaanite Tunnel and the "wet" Hezekiah's Tunnel are two ancient water tunnels you can traverse from the site's central spring. All connect to the historic Pool of Siloam, in which it is supposed that Jesus worked a miracle (John 9). Others claim that a mysterious group of engravings nearby may be remnants of King David's Tomb. It won’t be a hard time finding such memorable places with a map of City of David.

Recently, it has also been feasible to go underneath from the Pool of Siloam to the Southern Wall Archaeological Reserve! Removing a Herodian drainage tunnel that dates back 2000 years makes this thrilling experience achievable. Additionally, purchasing tickets for the "City of David Nighttime Show" is advised. The multimedia presentation is on the about 2600-year-old Jewish restoration of Jerusalem during the reign of Nehemiah.

The City of David's journey is an isolated event. It offers a first-hand glimpse of Jerusalem's lengthy and stormy existence. To make your experience more enjoyable, tour your own with your map of City of David. There are also interactive games such as Genesi Box to play along with your family to learn more about the city.