3000 year old palace suspected of being of King Solomon

Archaeologists have successfully excavated a giant palace in Israel linked to King Solomon.

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 3,000-year-old palace in the ancient city of Gezer, Israel. Although they say there is no evidence of the castle's owner, given its historical context, it is certainly linked to King Solomon.

Castle ruins in the ancient city of Gezer, Israel. Photo: Tel Gezer Excavation Project.

The palace was built in the 10th century BC, during the reign of King Solomon of Israel. He was described as a wise, powerful king with a huge fortune. The Bible records that during his 40-year reign, King Solomon collected 25 tons of gold each year, making him one of the richest kings in human history. He is also recognized as the one who made Israel a Jewish state.

An ancient palace discovered in Israel is larger than most buildings of its time. Archaeologists found Philistine pottery, a statue of the goddess Ashdod, a number of amulets and a child's rattle.

It is believed to have been destroyed in 935 BC by Pharaoh Sheshonk, or "Shishaq"in the Bible. Shishaq attacked the city of Gezer around the 10th century BC.

"The palace was almost destroyed in a Shisaq attack. However, the objects were moved. Perhaps they knew about the attack in advance and moved most of the furniture," said Steve Ortiz, professor at the Tandy Museum, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Texas, USA.

According to VNE