Show Notes
The Givati Parking Lot excavations at the northwestern edge of the City of David have upended our ideas about what ancient Jerusalem looked like. A sensational new discovery has revealed the city had a moat. Not one that contained water but rather a monumental artificial valley that separated the northern part of the city (the Ophel and Temple Mount) from the southern region (the City of David), serving as a distinguishing feature of the city during the days of the biblical kings.
On today’s program, host Christopher Eames interviews Givati Parking Lot excavations co-director Dr. Yiftah Shalev to find out the latest about this astonishing topographical feature being uncovered at the site.
“An Early Iron Age Moat in Jerusalem Between the Ophel and the Southeastern Ridge/City of David”
“The Moat of Ancient Jerusalem”
“Top 10 Biblical Archaeology Discoveries of 2023”
“Mysterious Bedrock Cuts From the First Temple Period Jerusalem”
More from Let the Stones Speak
Less than 100 meters from the southern wall of the Temple Mount, the Ophel Excavation is currently underway in one of the most important locations in all Israel. The joint project by Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology seeks to uncover the monumental remains from the late Second Temple Period (2,000 years ago) and even earlier. On today’s episode of Let the Stones Speak host Brent Nagtegaal speaks on-site in Jerusalem with excavation co-director Prof. Uzi Leibner about what has been uncovered so far and what this season’s excavation could reveal. 2026 Ophel Excavation Begins in Jerusalem
Host Brent Nagtegaal interviews Let the Stones Speak contributor Christopher Eames about his article in the May-June 2026 magazine, proposing the identity of this elusive queen on the scene some 3,000 years ago. https://armstronginstitute.org/1495-interview-has-the-queen-of-sheba-been-found
On today’s program, Dr. Van Huss explains the three areas of excavation, including further indication that an emerging monumental structure may indeed be the biblical tabernacle. https://armstronginstitute.org/1492-unearthing-the-tabernacle-site-at-shiloh-interview-with-dr-abigail-van-huss
Brand-new archeological evidence he discovered at Tel ‘Eton in southern Israel supports the biblical case for King Hezekiah’s reform. On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal explains the new evidence in the context of the biblical narrative. https://armstronginstitute.org/1483-new-archaeological-evidence-of-king-hezekiahs-religious-reform
A personal retelling of the discovery of seal impressions discovered on Dr. Eilat Mazar’s excavations https://armstronginstitute.org/1470-discovering-the-seal-impressions-of-the-prophet-jeremiahs-captors