Archaeologists digging in Jerusalem said in August that they had uncovered ‘clear’ archaeological evidence affirming the account as described in 2 Kings 25 of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem more than 2,500 years ago.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina (UNC) uncovered Babylonian-style arrowheads and layers of ash alongside lamps, potsherds, and gold & silver jewellery they believe is either a tassel or earring. The items were unearthed at the geographical location the siege would have occurred.
‘For archaeologists, an ashen layer can mean a number of different things,’ said UNC Charlotte Professor of History, Shimon Gibson. ‘It could be ashy deposits removed from ovens; or it could be localised burning of garbage. However, in this case, the combination of an ashy layer full of artefacts, mixed with arrowheads, and a very special ornament indicates some kind of devastation and destruction. Nobody abandons golden jewellery, and nobody has arrowheads in their domestic refuse.’
