The Davidson Archeological Park in Jerusalem is one of the most visited and impressive areas of Old Jerusalem you can visit. It is actually the Davidson Museum in the Jerusalem Archeological Park, but it has come to be known as the Davidson Archeological Park by many. People visit it every day and don’t even realize it because of its size, scope, and importance in the area.
Location of Davidson Archeological Park
The Davidson Archeological Park is located just adjacent to the Western Wall, which is located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. It is located near the Dung Gate.
The History of the Davidson Archeological Park
The Davidson Archeological Park was named for Bill Davidson, a Jewish-American billionaire known for his glass company and owning he Detroit Pistons. He was known for donating to many Jewish and Israeli causes and was a keen supporter and follower of Israeli Archeology and other causes in Israel, such as a hospital in Ein Karem named for his mother.
What is in the Davidson Archeological Park?
Some of the most amazing finds in Jerusalem and indeed Israel have been found right in this area. The Davidson Center museum is synonymous with the Jerusalem Archeological Park which is why it has become the Davidson Archeological Park. Within these locations are First and Second Temple periods.
Robinson’s Arch
Robinson’s Arch was an impressive and large arch that held a massive staircase. It was built by the order of King Herod in the Second Temple period. It was destroyed during the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
It was discovered again in 1838 by Biblical scholar Edward Robinson, an American archeologist. Then a century later the famed Biblical archeologist, Benjamin Mazar made further discoveries that tied the area to the writings of Josephus.
The Isaiah Stone
Under Robinson’s Arch is a stone that says “And you will see and your heart will rejoice and their bones like an herb [will flourish]” which is a paraphrase of Isaiah 66:14
“When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, And your bones shall flourish like grass; The hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants, And His indignation to His enemies.”
Typropoeon Street
The Typropoeon street in the Davidson Archeological Park was once the main street in the area. You can still see today the former shop stalls where venders would have sold their goods to people making their way to the Temple. You can easily imagine the bustle that would have happened in the area as people were shouting and buying doves for sacrifice while perhaps a Roman guard passed through. This may very likely be where Jesus rebuked everyone selling sacrifices. The era truly comes alive here!
Destruction from the Revolt
In this this area you will also see large piles of stones upon each other fashioned in the same way as the stones from the wall. These stones are fulfilled prophesy right in front of your eyes! Jesus said of the Temple in Matthew 24:2, ““Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
These stones are the debris from the Temple thrown down during the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in 70 AD. Jesus’ words echo clearly as you witness this tangible showing two-thousand years later!
The Southern Steps
Though many places in Israel claim a connection to Jesus, there is one place you can be certain Jesus walked and that is the Southern Steps where Jews would ascend to the Temple. There is no doubt that Jesus walked up these steps, that are not symmetrical for a reason in order to promote a contemplative ascension.
The steps lead to the Hulda gates, which like the Eastern Gates are sealed off permanently.
The Davidson Museum
The Davidson Museum is a museum that highlights many of the wonderful finds that have been found over the centuries at this location. It includes the mikvahs that would have been used before going into the Temple and coins and pottery found among other things.
These are just a few of the many sites to see in the Davidson Archeological Park! Many of our tours include this stop on their tour and it’s no wonder why. Now is the perfect time to contact Immanuel Tours to plan your perfect Israel Holy Land adventure!
