From Stone Age to Bronze Age

Potsherds found around the Gihon Spring are the first signs of settlement around the South Hill of the later city.

A city state by the name of (u)rushalimum is mentioned in Egyptian Execration Texts (c1800 BCE).

The South Hill is now fortified with a wall, as are the Gihon Spring and its adjacent pool.

Late Bronze Age (1550-1200BCE)

In 1330, the city is mentioned in a letter from Tell el-Amarna where the name of its ruler is given as Abdi Heba.

Oddly, excavations show little evidence that the city was even settled at this age, an indication of the fact that archeological and epigraphic evidence cannot always be reconciled.

 

 

"Jebus" and early Israelite history

The Hebrews (hapiru?) begin to consolidate in the hill country.

Terraces and a stepped structure that have been found on the south hill may date to the late Bronze or Early Iron Ages. But debate continues among specialists on whether the city was significantly populated and fortified at this time.

According to Joshua 15:63, "the Jebusites, the people of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out."