For our fourth tiul this year on February 10th we visited The City of David and archeological dig and museum of the original old City of Jerusalem conquered by King David circa 1000 BCE.
We learned about the reign of David, how he captured the city by sending an elite team through the water tunnels. We talked about his rise to favor over the first king Sol and read the story of David and Goliath. We also talked about his mistakes as a king, the story of Bersheva and learned about the concept of Teshuva, repentance and the repentance that David made.
At the archeological site we saw the water tunnels dug before the siege of Jerusalem and we saw many pictures of artifacts discovered in the dig site including ancient stamps for wax seals and idols.
We also learned about the current controversy around the city of David, as the digging is happening in East Jerusalem which is primarily Arabic. What do you think was the most interesting fact the dig revealed about the ancient city?
I think the most interesting thing the dig revealed was that the water source had been diverted so that it came into the city walls and was hidden from view to make it much more difficult for the city to be sieged.
ReplyDeleteIt amazed me how all of the various tunnels were constructed. Great measures were taken to protect the city, and we can see from our studies that it really payed off. I can't believe we did that all by hand! (Us, Jews!)
ReplyDeleteI thought the most interesting fact from the dig was that there were stamps made for idols. This shows how long the transfer between polytheism and monotheism truly took, as Abraham was the one who presumably thousands of years before started that revolution.
ReplyDeleteI thought the most interesting fact that we learned was that the Tanakh actually helped archaeologists discover some of the lost cites of the City of David. It is amazing how the Tanakh not only is used for religious purposes, but also for historical purposes.
ReplyDeleteOn this Tiyul, I learned about the tunnels being a water source for the people of the City of David. It was fascinating that they created such intricate tunnels with the ancient tools they had access to.
ReplyDelete-Talia R
DeleteAs explored with the burial caves and showing the power and accuracy of the Tanakh. Being used to explain religion from a cultural perspective along with a physical map that shows real live places.
ReplyDeletei thought it was really cool to see the water tunnel. eventhough we werent allowed to go in the real water tunnel, it gives me another reason why i want to come back.
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting thing about the sight was the water tunnels as it saved Jerusalem from the Assyrians therefor saving the kingdom.
ReplyDeleteThe most exciting thing about the City of David was when someone mentioned that every stair to the tunnels was like stepping down 100 years.
ReplyDeleteI think the most interesting fact that the dig revealed about the ancient city is that modern homes in the area, inhabited by normal Israeli families, could be covering archaeological sites which reveal to us the true history of our people. I remember hearing that one home near us with a red tile roof laid on top of the most excavated site in all of Israel, reminding me that in such an ancient place, everything in my surroundings is rich with history.
ReplyDelete- Maya
I thought it was really interesting to see the intricacy of the water system. It was amazing how smart of a system there was so long ago, without the equipment we have today. (I commented a few days ago but it didn't go through so I'm redoing it)
ReplyDeleteI think the water tunnels showed an incredible insight into the way Jews not only lived but thrived. Preserving thousands of years of Jewish life. It's incredible to think that if not for those tunnels none of us may be here.
ReplyDeleteI think the most interesting thing we learned on the Tiyul was how the water sources were diverted so that they became more powerful and were feared by surrounding powers. This allowed them to succeed over other local nations
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting fact about the dig for me is about the Tanak’s role in the ancient navigation. It is super cool that this source applies to real-life geography, as well as faith.
ReplyDelete