Who Built the Wall of Jericho: A Historical Enquiry
Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of continuous settlement dating back to around 10,000 BCE. The city's walls, a significant part of its defensive architecture, have been a subject of much speculation and study, particularly in relation to the biblical narrative of the Israelites and the famous wall of Jericho.
The Bible and the Wall of Jericho
According to the biblical narrative in the Book of Joshua, the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites, led by Joshua, marched around the city for seven days and then shouted on the seventh day following God's instructions. This event is often referenced, but the literal destruction of the walls by a divine command has been subject to much debate among biblical scholars and archaeologists.
The Historical Walls of Jericho
The people who lived in Jericho at the time of the construction of its walls would have been responsible for building them, just as they were during other historical eras. These inhabitants include the ancient Canaanites, who inhabited the region before the Israelite conquest. Archaeological excavations have revealed multiple layers of settlement and fortifications, indicating its long and complex history.
Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Layers
Excavations at Jericho, such as the one at Tell es-Sultan, have provided invaluable insights into the remains of ancient cities. The walls that existed during the biblical account were likely built by the ancient Canaanites. After the destruction of the walls by the Israelites, Jericho continued to be rebuilt and inhabited. The city has been built many times, including after the walls fell during the Jericho campaign as described in the Bible.
JERICHO: A Historical Overview
Jericho, mentioned in the Bible as the first Canaanite city west of the Jordan to be conquered by the Israelites, is also known by the name 'Moon City.' The city is identified with Tell es-Sultan, a site about 22 km (14 miles) east of Jerusalem. Nearby, Tulul Abu el-Alayiq is considered the site of Jericho in the first century AD. Jericho has a subtropical climate, lying at about 250 meters (820 feet) below sea level in the Jordan Valley. Today, the area around Jericho is known for cultivating oranges, bananas, and figs, and palm trees still thrive there as they did in ancient times.
Biblical Context and Archaeological Evidence
At the end of their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites came to the Plains of Moab. From there, near Jericho, Moses ascended Mount Nebo and viewed the Promised Land, including Jericho, often described as the "city of the palm trees." After Moses' death, Joshua sent two spies to Jericho, and Rahab enabled them to escape. The narrative in Joshua further describes the Israelites' conquest of Jericho, including the miraculous falling of the walls and the subsequent destruction of the city.
Ancient Fortifications and Historical Research
The event of the walls falling is often celebrated in religious contexts, but it is likely that the walls at the time of Joshua's conquest were not destroyed by divine intervention but through conventional military means. Archaeological research has shown that Jericho has a long history of fortification, with multiple layers of walls built over thousands of years. This further emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of Jericho's walls before and after the biblical narrative.
For those interested in delving deeper into this rich and complex history, additional resources and the Bible can provide further insight. The information provided here, along with archaeological findings and biblical accounts, offers a comprehensive understanding of Jericho and its walls.