Written by the director of excavations at Mount Moriah, the Temple Mount, this book describes the archaeological evidence uncovered during 12 years of digging, from the most ancient strata, the period of King Solomon and the First Temple, up to the remains dating to the 16th century A.D. and the reign of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Emphasis is placed on architectural remains, although other artifacts are described and illustrated. In addition to finds from the periods of the First and Second Temple, the excavation of strata from life in Jerusalem under Christian and Moslem rule is also carefully described. Ben-Dov writes well and refers to the written record as well as to the archaeological record of the site. He shows awareness of the unique problems of preservation and restoration which this most ancient site poses. Laypersons and scholars alike will want to read this report of a very controversial excavation.
English translation copyright 1985 Keter Publishing House Jerusalem, Ltd. Harper & Row Publishers Inc. New York, N. Y.
I am almost done reading the hardcover copy of this book, and cannot put it down out of my hands. This is one archaeological book on "The Discovery of Ancient Jerusalem" that is fascinating; which people will want to read, and would be such a great asset to us here on LOGOS.
