A revolutionary dating methodology has provided an unprecedentedly precise chronology for archaeological sites within Jerusalem, corroborating significant historical events detailed in the Bible. The research sheds light on the city’s settlement, a catastrophic earthquake, and its ultimate destruction at the hands of the Babylonians.
Radiocarbon dating, generally imprecise during a period known as the ‘Hallstatt plateau,’ was successfully calibrated by employing sophisticated analytical techniques. The study meticulously examined 103 samples from Jerusalem’s ancient City of David neighborhood, cross-referencing their dates with atmospheric radiocarbon measurements derived from tree growth rings.
The findings indicate that Jerusalem’s settlement occurred between the 12th and 10th centuries B.C. and that the city expanded westward in the ninth century B.C. Furthermore, the research uncovered evidence of an earthquake in the mid-eighth century B.C., corroborating a biblical account of the event.
The team also uncovered signs of ongoing habitation following the earthquake, indicating a period of relative stability before the Babylonian invasions. This period culminated in the catastrophic conflagration of 586 B.C., identified as the Babylonian destruction mentioned in both biblical and Neo-Babylonian records.
While some archaeologists express skepticism regarding the reliability of the new chronology, acknowledging the limitations of the samples used, the study represents a significant advancement in understanding Jerusalem’s Iron Age history. It paves the way for further research to refine and expand our knowledge of this ancient city.
