Burnt Wooden Beams from First Temple Destruction Unearthed in Jerusalem's City of David

Archaeologists excavating the Givati Parking Lot area in the City of David, Jerusalem, have uncovered thick wooden beams charred during the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE. The excavation, conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University, revealed beams that likely served as roofing for an inner courtyard of a First Temple period structure. According to excavation director Efrat Bozer, the beams collapsed onto the building floor during the destruction, and a layer of plaster that melted in the fire covered and preserved the burnt wood exceptionally well.

Dr. Johanna Regev of the Israel Antiquities Authority highlighted the rarity of finding wood with numerous growth rings, which allows for highly precise dating. While previous findings could only be dated within centuries, these beams enable dating within a decade. The discovery offers valuable insights into the intensity of Jerusalem’s destruction, with excavation leaders Dr. Yiftach Shalev and Prof. Yuval Gadot explaining that the large building was deliberately burned and collapsed suddenly.

Interestingly, during the Persian period following the destruction, residents blocked access to this area but continued living in other parts of the structure. This deliberate choice to settle alongside the ruins reflects a strong desire to preserve the memory of the catastrophe. Bozer noted the emotional impact of uncovering the moment of destruction, especially as the findings come just before the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av, which commemorates the Temple’s destruction.