The location of Solomon's Temple

One alternative theory about the location of Solomon's Temple suggests that it might not have been on the Temple Mount but rather in the City of David, an area just south of the Temple Mount and outside the current Old City walls of Jerusalem.City of David Theory:

Some researchers, such as archaeologist Eli Shukron and historian Ernest L. Martin, have proposed that the true location of Solomon’s Temple might be in the City of David, which is located near the Gihon Spring. According to this theory, the Temple was built on a ridge in the original settlement of ancient Jerusalem, not on the Temple Mount, which might have been a later Roman or Herodian construction.

Key Arguments for the City of David Location:

1. Proximity to Water Source The Gihon Spring was the main water source for the City of David and ancient Jerusalem. Sacrificial rituals in the Temple required a consistent water supply, making the spring a practical location.

2. Biblical Descriptions Advocates of this theory argue that the Bible describes the Temple’s location in relation to the City of David, and that its proximity to the Gihon Spring could align with passages in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Lack of Archeological Evidence on the Temple Mount: Some suggest that the lack of definitive archaeological remains of the First Temple on the Temple Mount itself raises questions about whether it was actually built there. Excavations in the Temple Mount area are restricted, leading to limited direct evidence.

Coordinates for the City of David:

The City of David lies just south of the Temple Mount, and ongoing archaeological excavations in this area have uncovered structures dating back to the time of King David and Solomon While this theory is not widely accepted by mainstream archaeologists or scholars, it remains a point of interest for those exploring alternative locations for the ancient Temple.Here is an illustration of the ancient City of David as it might have looked along Wadi Hilweh Street in biblical times, showing its stone structures, stepped streets, and the surrounding terrain. It gives a sense of the vibrant life in the city, near the Gihon Spring, with people, artisans, and merchants visible