Jerusalem’s ‘greatest archaeological mystery’ may be solved

Archaeological researchers in Israel believe they have uncovered the remains of an ancient Greek stronghold, widely dubbed as being one of Jerusalem’s ‘greatest archaeological mysteries.’

Researchers with the Israel Antiquities Authority may have found a fortification, which was once part of the defenses constructed on top of the City of David hill in Jerusalem’s Old City, during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes 2,000 years ago (215-164 BCE).

The experts claim the discovery may have solved one of Jerusalem’s greatest archaeological mysteries: The location of ‘the Acra’ – a stronghold built to control Jerusalem and monitor activity in the Temple.

But for 100 years speculation about its exact location has not led to its founding. 

The discovery was made in the Givati ​​parking lot excavations – which has been ongoing for a decade, in the City of David, Jerusalem Walls National Park.

Archaeologists, Dr. Doron Ben-Ami, Yana Tchekhanovets and Salome Cohen, excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority said:“This sensational discovery allows us for the first time to reconstruct the layout of the settlement in the city..”

In addition, sling stones, arrowheads and ballistae stones were found, all of which are said to be evidence of the Hasmonean attempts to conquer the stronghold.