Mount Zion Archaeology Project
In the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel
The Project:
Mount Zion is a relatively small hill, which tradition locates it as being on the southern part of the old city of Jerusalem, and on the northern side of the Hinom Valley. Mt Zion is shrouded in the mystery of religious traditions and legends. It is repeatedly referred to in the Bible and other ancient texts.
It now remains as one of the most visited religious sites in Israel, second only to the Western Wall. Jewish tradition has it as the location of the tomb of King David. Christian tradition has it as the site for such important events as the Last Supper, washing of the disciples feet, the resurrection appearance, gathering of the disciples and descent of the Holy Spirit all happening in the Cenacle Room which is located on top of the Tomb of King David.
Yet despite the intensity of religious significance relatively little archaeological work has been done at this most fascinating location.
We are now set to undertake what we believe is one of the most important archaeological programs in Jerusalem.
Our Program:
Our project is focused on a comprehensive archaeological review of the traditional site of Mount Zion with the hope of unraveling some of the mysteries that surround it. Our work program is set on the backdrop of some of the most perplexing mysteries of the Bible and historical records. Is it really the site of the tomb of King David? If it is in fact the location of his tomb it then takes on extreme significance, as the the Biblical record states that King David was buried in the city of David. And with the potential discovery of a tomb of such magnitude there is opportunity for the discovery of important artifacts and ancient records.
The first part of the program includes the use of a comprehensive suite of high-tech geophysical exploration techniques, including ground penetrating radar, micro seismic, lidar and geo-referenced photogrammatery and 3D GIS mapping
Our work to date has revealed very significant archaeological features and we are greatly encouraged by the correlation of what we have found with ancient records.
Our project has secured the necessary private land owner agreements as well as a permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The supervising project archaeologist is Amit Re'em from the IAA.
Mount Zion:
The Bible mentions Mount Zion over 150 times and at times in the most glowing of terms. The book of Psalms 48:3 states: " .....Fairest all sites enjoy the entire earth is Mount Zion ....". The profound sanctity of Mount Zion is highlighted in the book of Chronicles where King Solomon is recorded as saying that Mount Zion was so holy that even his wife was not able to live there. One of the greatest tangible mysteries of the Bible is recorded by Isaiah who says " ... God has hidden his face from the house Yaakov, my hope is to him (that he will reveal his face) ....God master of legions who lives in Mount Zion. " What this means remains a mystery. And it in no small way provides us with the impetus to dedicate our attention to this most fascinating of locations..
Above: The southern wall of the Tomb of King David showing what is believed to be second Temple / Herodian Stones
Funding:
The project has been to date, privately funded by the Salinger. Over $1 million has been spent in the initial study and work programs and in securing land tenures.
As the project is now at an exciting phase we are opening the opportunity for others to participate
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