This morning after breakfast we met with Judith Isaacson of Drive-Israel.com. Before I left the States I told her what my plans were for Israel. She took my plans and was able to make arrangements for us, planning the itinerary, reserving the hostels and hotels, reserving the rental car & Garmin, giving us some directions for travel to some places. She did a great job. If you ever want to have your own tour of Israel, I recommend her.
After meeting with her, we headed out for the City of David National park. We walked the length of the Hinnom Valley. Here is we are overlooking the west end of the Hinnom Valley.
to the foot of the City of David (Jebus, the old Jebusite city). We then headed north up Ma’lot Ir David Street, which took us straight to the City of David National Park. Here we are at the Southern end of the street. City of David National Park is up-hill to the left.
Entering the park, we saw tons of great archeological work. One of the interesting ones at the beginning is the large structure. Archeologist Eliat Mizar thinks this complex of stone is part of King David’s Cedar Palace.
Descending on down, we eventually entered the tunnel which Hezekiah had built to divert the water from the Gihon Spring to the Siloam Pool. Hezekiah knew that the Assyrians were coming to attack him and that it was strategic to get the water supply into the city. His men dug through solid rock a ditch that extended over a third of Mile long. We walked it!
The tunnel empties into the Siloam Pool.
The return trip was just as interesting. The first part back to the top is an archaeological tunnel that uncovered an old side walk which was used by the Jews in ceremonial processions from the temple and back.
On up a way, the path switched from the sidewalk to a Roman sewer.
Upon exiting the sewer, we attempted to access the Temple Mount, but it was closed. So, we went back to the Archeological Park, and spent the better part of the afternoon there. The Archeology of Israel is fascinating! We then strolled around the Old City for a while. We walked down the Cardo. The Cardo is a Street that Hadrian built after putting down the Bar Kokbah rebellion.
to the foot of the City of David (Jebus, the old Jebusite city). We then headed north up Ma’lot Ir David Street, which took us straight to the City of David National Park. Here we are at the Southern end of the street. City of David National Park is up-hill to the left.
Entering the park, we saw tons of great archeological work. One of the interesting ones at the beginning is the large structure. Archeologist Eliat Mizar thinks this complex of stone is part of King David’s Cedar Palace.
Descending on down, we eventually entered the tunnel which Hezekiah had built to divert the water from the Gihon Spring to the Siloam Pool. Hezekiah knew that the Assyrians were coming to attack him and that it was strategic to get the water supply into the city. His men dug through solid rock a ditch that extended over a third of Mile long. We walked it!
The tunnel empties into the Siloam Pool.
The return trip was just as interesting. The first part back to the top is an archaeological tunnel that uncovered an old side walk which was used by the Jews in ceremonial processions from the temple and back.
On up a way, the path switched from the sidewalk to a Roman sewer.
Upon exiting the sewer, we attempted to access the Temple Mount, but it was closed. So, we went back to the Archeological Park, and spent the better part of the afternoon there. The Archeology of Israel is fascinating! We then strolled around the Old City for a while. We walked down the Cardo. The Cardo is a Street that Hadrian built after putting down the Bar Kokbah rebellion.
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