Biblical World Tracker

Monumental Dam from Time of Biblical Kings Uncovered

ConfirmedAnnounced August 2026

Archaeologists in Jerusalem have uncovered the largest dam ever constructed in ancient Israel, dating to the late ninth century BCE during the reigns of kings Joash and Amaziah of Judah. The dam, located in the City of David, would have created the Pool of Siloam and reshaped the city's water system.

The discovery was announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority and published in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. While some scholars, like Chris McKinny, question whether the Spring Tower and Siloam Channel were originally built in the Middle Bronze Age, the dam's dating is widely accepted.

Find: Site
Place: City of David Archaeological Park, Jerusalem, Judea, Israel
Period: late ninth century BCE (Iron Age II)
Announced: August 2026

Discovery and Significance

Archaeologists with the Israel Antiquities Authority uncovered a massive dam during excavations at the proposed site of the Siloam Pool in the City of David Archaeological Park. The dam is about 40 feet high, over 26 feet wide, and extends at least 69 feet, making it the largest dam ever found in ancient Israel.

Dating and Purpose

Using high-precision radiocarbon dating, scientists from the Weizmann Institute dated the dam's construction to the late ninth century BCE, during the reigns of biblical kings Joash and Amaziah. The dam likely served to mitigate water shortages and flash floods, creating an artificial reservoir that became the Pool of Siloam.

Biblical Connection

The dam is part of Jerusalem's Iron Age II water system, which included the Spring Tower, Hezekiah's Tunnel, and the Siloam Channel. Its dating may challenge views about when these other structures were built, potentially linking them to a single monumental project.

In Scripture

2 Kings 12:20-21
2 Chronicles 24:23-25

Sources

Biblical Archaeology Society

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