Stepped Stone Structure
A giant stone rampart on the slope of the City of David, perhaps the biblical Millo
Found 1923 — First exposed by R. A. S. Macalister and J. G. Duncan (1923–25); fully excavated by Kathleen Kenyon (1961–67) and Yigal Shiloh (1978–85), Area G
Where City of David, eastern slope, Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) (Israel)
Dates from c. 1200–900 BCE (phases debated) · Iron Age I–IIA · Jebusite Jerusalem to David and Solomon
Now at In situ, City of David archaeological park, Jerusalem
How Stepped Stone Structure was found
Macalister took it for a Jebusite rampart. Kenyon cut through it and dated the fill to the Late Bronze / Iron I. Shiloh exposed its full height and studied the terraces behind it; Eilat Mazar later linked it to the Large Stone Structure above.
What it is
A stone-faced rampart about 18 m high and 40 m wide, built in stepped courses over a system of rubble-filled terraces. It is the largest Iron Age structure known in Israel and was meant to hold up the buildings on the narrow ridge above it.
Why it matters for the Bible
The Stepped Stone Structure proves that whoever ruled Jerusalem in the early Iron Age could organize a massive public work. Many scholars connect it with the 'Millo' (from the root 'to fill') that David and Shlomo (Solomon) are said to have built up, since it is literally a filled terrace system. Its date is argued between the Jebusite period and the tenth century, and some see several building phases. Either way, it shows Jerusalem was no small village when David made it his capital.
The Hebrew word: Mee-LOH
מִלּוֹא
מִלּוֹא is pronounced Mee-LOH and means the Millo, a filled terrace or earthwork in Jerusalem (Strong's H4407).
People this discovery connects to
- David — דָּוִד (Dah-VEED) — beloved
- Solomon — שְׁלֹמֹה (Shlo-MOH) — his peace
Places
- Millo — מִלּוֹא (Mee-LOH) — filling / earthwork
- Zion — צִיּוֹן (Tzee-YOHN) — fortress (uncertain)
Events
David captures the Jebusite stronghold · Solomon builds the Millo
Stepped Stone Structure in Scripture
2 Samuel 5:7 David takes the stronghold of Zion, the ridge this rampart supports.
2 Samuel 5:9 David builds 'from the Millo inward'; the Stepped Stone Structure is a leading candidate for the Millo.
1 Kings 9:15 Solomon's labor levy builds the Millo and the wall of Jerusalem.
Questions people ask
What is Stepped Stone Structure?
A stone-faced rampart about 18 m high and 40 m wide, built in stepped courses over a system of rubble-filled terraces. It is the largest Iron Age structure known in Israel and was meant to hold up the buildings on the narrow ridge above it.
When was Stepped Stone Structure discovered?
It was found in 1923 by First exposed by R. A. S. Macalister and J. G. Duncan (1923–25); fully excavated by Kathleen Kenyon (1961–67) and Yigal Shiloh (1978–85), Area G, at City of David, eastern slope, Yerushalayim (Jerusalem).
Where is Stepped Stone Structure today?
In situ, City of David archaeological park, Jerusalem.
Which Bible verses does Stepped Stone Structure relate to?
2 Samuel 5:7, 2 Samuel 5:9, 1 Kings 9:15.
Is Stepped Stone Structure authentic?
Structure is undisputed; its date (Iron I Jebusite vs. tenth century) and identification as the Millo are debated.
Related discoveries
- מִלּוֹאThe Millo: Where Was It?The Stepped Stone Structure and the Gihon Spring fortifications as rival candidates for the biblical Millo
- מְצוּדָהLarge Stone Structure ('David's Palace')Massive walls in the City of David that one excavator called David's palace
- צִנּוֹרWarren's ShaftThe vertical shaft above the Gihon once thought to be David's way into Jerusalem
- בֵּית לֶחֶםBethlehem BullaThe earliest mention of Bethlehem outside the Bible, on a tax-shipment seal
- צְלָעוֹתKhirbet Qeiyafa Model ShrinesTwo miniature shrines with architecture echoing Solomon's Temple
- אַרְגָּמָןTimna Valley Copper Mines and 'Slaves' Hill'Tenth-century smelting camps and a scrap of royal purple cloth
Sources
- Shiloh, Excavations at the City of David I, Qedem 19 (1984)
- Kenyon, Digging Up Jerusalem (1974)