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2600-Year-Old First Temple Beams Unearthed Jerusalem

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists uncovered beams from the 586 BCE destruction of Jerusalem’s First Temple, preserved in melted plaster.
The Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University recovered the beams at City of David, which researchers dated to First Temple period using radiocarbon accuracy within ten years.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said the beams prove a 2,600-year-old Jewish presence while scholars noted the pre-Tisha B’Av announcement may reflect residents preserving the ruins as a marker.

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Story summary

Archaeologists uncovered beams from the 586 BCE destruction of Jerusalem’s First Temple, preserved in melted plaster.
The Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University recovered the beams at City of David, which researchers dated to First Temple period using radiocarbon accuracy within ten years.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said the beams prove a 2,600-year-old Jewish presence while scholars noted the pre-Tisha B’Av announcement may reflect residents preserving the ruins as a marker.