According to archaeologist Yosef Garfinkle from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the ruins of five fortified cities outside of Jerusalem are believed to have belonged to the same kingdom ruled by King David mentioned in the Bible. Garfinkle’s study, published in June, suggests that these cities were constructed in the early 10th century BC, which is around 200 years earlier than previously thought. The cities, including Khirbet Qeiyafa, Tell en-Naṣbeh, Khirbet ed-Dawwara, Lachish, and Beth Shemesh, all share similar features such as two parallel walls in the center and organized roads, indicating that they were part of an organized urban network connected to one kingdom.
Garfinkle clarified that he is not trying to prove the Bible, but rather examining the historical accuracy of the traditions mentioned in the Bible. He stated, “Sometimes there are mistakes, sometimes there is wishful thinking, sometimes there is ideology.” However, the ruins found in these cities, along with carbon dating of olive pits found in the area, support the theory that they were built during the time of King David.
These fortified cities are significant because they provide evidence for the existence of a centralized authority and a strong kingdom during the time of King David. The discovery of proto-Canaanite and Canaanite inscriptions further supports this claim, indicating an increased demand for communication within the kingdom.
Despite Garfinkle’s findings, other archaeologists, such as Professor Aren Maeir from Bar Ilan University, have expressed skepticism. They believe that there are several details that have been oversimplified or generalized over a wide period. However, it is agreed upon that there was likely a small kingdom in Jerusalem, although its influence is still unknown.
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