Professor Cargill values architectural proof as a devout archaeologist. He supports biblical claims with archaeological evidence. "Always question, never believe!" says Professor Cargill.
Chronology
Late bronze age (Pre-Israelite): beginning --> 1000 BCE
Iron Age (David & Solomon): 1000 BCE --> ?
Early Jerusalem
- There were many settlements before the Israelites (continuous settlement for almost 6000 years now!)
- Evidence:
1. Pottery 3200 BCE
2. Execration texts (curse texts that are shattered) that mention Jerusalem 1900 BCE
3. Gihon gate 18 BCE as the "Fountain Gate" in Nehemiah
4. "Tower or Siloam" in Luke
5. Jerusalem mentioned in non-biblical texts like the Amarna Letters 1350 BCE from Jerusalem asking Pharaoh for political and military aid
6. References in the bible to King Melchizedek of Salem
7. Bible references to kings prior to David
The Controversy to How The Israelites Got to Jerusalem
1. Conquest/non-conquest - the Israelites suddenly appeared at Jerusalem after plundering previous inhabitants
2. Immigration - the Israelites slowly moved into Israel
3. Canaanite City - Canaanites slowly evolved into Israelites
--> Controversy in the bible
David's Jerusalem
- Supposedly an amazing king! A man after God's own heart.
- Did he really exist?
Ironic Naming
- Hill of Offense (where Solomon build idols) is now a Palestinian land with conflicts consisting of Israelites buying up this land.
- Bill of Evil Counel happens to be the site of UN headquarters.
The Millo
- A steep structure on the east hill of the City of David; stepped stone structure called Area G
- Might be a typical Israeli house (4 rooms separated by pillars) like the House of Ahiel
- Difficult to excavate in order to find out more because they'd have to destroy houses
Written Names Found
- Two bullaes found with the name of Gemaryahu ben Shaphan which is also mentioned in the bible. How common is the name? Does this prove David's existence?
- Tel Dan Inscription - aramaic inscription mentions the House of David. This at least proves that someone thought David existed, and some people did refer to themselves as the House of David. But it does not prove his existence.
Questions
1. I don't quite understand how King Melchizedek references Jerusalem
2. Is Area G part of Millo? Is the Millo suspected of being part of David's palace or an Israeli house (House of Ahiel)?
After personally reading about David in so many books of the Hebrew Bible, I was fully convinced that such a great king existed. I did not know that there wasn't a lot of archaeological evidence for David. Instead of questioning my belief of David's existence, I am curious as to why there would be so little archaeological evidence for someone so important as David in Christianity, as Jesus eventually comes from the house of David.
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