Gezer Gate
Discovered: Foothills of the Judaean Mountains at the border of the Shfela, Israel
From: (c. 920 BC)
Find on Map Link to More See Video
On Tel Gezer, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a huge, six-chambered gate complex, dating to Solomon's time (920 BC). This once huge gate complex stands only 4-5 feet tall today.
With the street pavement partially gone, one can see the exposed sewer channel.' The sewer ran under the street, through the city, and into the valley beyond. It drained seasonal rain and carried away sewage. The sewer emptied into the "swamp," a cesspool of refuse, animal carcasses, and even human bodies.
On the right and left of the sewer channel, the remains of each gate chamber can still be distinguished. Based on archaeological remains, the gatehouse at Gezer was over 45 feet wide, nearly 60 feet long, and contained three chambers on each side of the street.
King Solomon fortified the three key cities of Gezer, Hazor, and Megiddo with huge six-chambered gates. While there has been controversy regarding his involvement with the gate at this partoicular find, recent carbon dating does confirm the consruction to the period of his presumed reign (c. 900-1000 BC).
Select Pages
- page 19 of 71 -