0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:04- The Temple Mount...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..is one of the holiest places - on the face of the earth.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- For the Jew, it is the site - of the Temple of Solomon.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- For the Christian, the location of - Herod's Temple, where Jesus walked.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- And for every Muslim...
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- ..it is the site from where - Muhammad ascended to heaven.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- Three faiths, each laying claim...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- ..to this sacred mount.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- Throughout Jerusalem's - long history...
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- ..the faithful - have always fought for possession.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- Today, archaeologists - are embroiled in the conflict.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13- Their work holds the key to - understanding Jerusalem's history.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- A history - that could change our future.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- That's why I've come here...
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- ..to try and discover - the truth about the Temple Mount...
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- ..and the battle for - the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- The lost Temple of Solomon.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- The Babylonians - destroyed the structure...
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- ..centuries before Jesus Christ.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- Jews were forced into exile, and not - for the last time in their history.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11- According to the Bible...
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- ..King David was responsible - for building Jerusalem.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- It was his son, Solomon, - who built the temple.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- For Solomon and every Jew...
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- ..this was the most sacred sanctuary - in all the world...
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- ..and home to God's spirit.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- These days, there is - no trace of Solomon's Temple...
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- ..on the Temple Mount...
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- ..or of the temple - dedicated to King Herod.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- It is the Muslim's Noble Sanctuary - which stands here today.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- The Dome of the Rock - and al-Aqsa Mosque.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- Now that the Jews - have returned to Israel...
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- ..this has become - the focus of all the tension.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- This is where the central struggle - of humanity is taking place.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- So that's Jerusalem and the centre - of Jerusalem is the Temple Mount.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- The Temple Mount is a symbol of - conflict between Jews and Muslims.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- Both faiths - contest this hallowed ground.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- Uncovering the Temple of Solomon - and King David's Palace...
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- ..would settle the argument - once and for all.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- But therein lies - the fundamental problem.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- Excavating - is forbidden on the Temple Mount.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- Muslims have banished - archaeologists...
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- ..from their sacred soil.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08- The solution to the problem is - to excavate just outside the walls.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- Being able to prove that Solomon or - his father had built on this site...
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- ..would strengthen - the Jews' claim to the Temple Mount.
0:04:34 > 0:04:40- One archaeologist believes she - has discovered King David's Palace.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- According to the date - and structure...
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- ..the sophistication, - the location...
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- ..everything indicates - a high probability...
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- ..that we're talking about - King David's Palace.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- But others have dated the ruins...
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- ..to a time before David...
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- ..and his son, Solomon.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- The excavation of the building...
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- ..which is described by Eilat Mazar - as the Palace of King David...
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- ..is a very important excavation.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- However, I don't think - that one can identify...
0:05:27 > 0:05:33- ..one single big building which - dates to the 10th century BC...
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- ..as the Palace of King David.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- If it were possible to excavate - on the Temple Mount itself...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- ..perhaps the argument - could be settled...
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- ..but experts believe there's - an even more fundamental problem.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- They insist that it's a mistake...
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- ..to use David and Solomon's story - to prove Israel's history.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- They say it's unwise to read - the Bible as if it were a newspaper.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- It is likely - that 300 years had elapsed...
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- ..before anyone documented - the history of King David.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Back then, the aim was - to strengthen the nation's faith.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- However, Eilat Mazar believes...
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- ..the Bible is a useful tool - for archaeologists.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- I don't believe people - who say they don't read the Bible.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- That it's an imaginary justification - of the past...
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- ..in order to justify the - glorification of David's kingship.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- This is not the case. - We're talking about evidence.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- They say the evidence...
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- ..links King David to the holy land - of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- One piece of vital evidence - came to light some 20 years ago...
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- ..in the form of the Stele - or Tel Dan Stone.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- The language of - the inscription stone is Aramaic.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- It originates from - the 9th century Before Christ.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- It is - the earliest example of Hebrew...
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- ..the language of the Jews.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- It celebrates - the King of Damascus's victory...
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- ..over a king from David's lineage.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- This is the first time the name - David appears outside of the Bible.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- According to - archaeologist David Ilan...
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- ..it provides historical proof...
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- ..of King David's existence.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Before it was found in 1992-1993...
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- ..David was considered by many - to be a purely mythological figure.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- The stone doesn't - connect David to Jerusalem.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- Tel Dan is located - in the north of Israel.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- But the archaic inscription - supports the case for those...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- ..who are eager to establish David - as a historical king.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- More information about the period - has recently emerged.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- This time, archaeological findings - correspond with the Bible.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- "The wounded Philistines - fell along the way...
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- "..from Shaaraim - as far as Gath and Ekron."
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- The city called Shaaraim is - mentioned three times in the Bible.
0:09:03 > 0:09:09- In this tradition, the city is - associated with the Elah Valley...
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- ..and associated with King David.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- Shaaraim means two gates. This city - is located in the Valley of Elah.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- In the city we have two gates.
0:09:19 > 0:09:25- The biblical tradition and the site - fit each other perfectly.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- However, no fort from David's era - has ever been discovered in Judea.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- However, Dr Garfinkel - received exciting news...
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- ..after he sent samples - from this site...
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- ..for analysis at Oxford University.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- And the dating - was from the time of King David.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- This was really amazing.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- I couldn't believe my eyes - when I saw the letter.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- According to Dr Garfinkel...
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- ..this site close to Bethlehem...
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- ..establishes David as the ruler - of a sophisticated kingdom.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- He believes it is - also significant for another reason.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- It is the location of one - of the Bible's major chapters.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- The story of David and Goliath.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- The minor conquering the giant.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- The story is familiar to us all.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- The Philistine army - prepares to attack...
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- ..led by the giant - in the front line.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- The giant advanced, - threatening the Israelite army.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Instead of a full-blown battle...
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- ..it was a challenge - to fight one on one.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- No Israelite - was brave enough to respond...
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- ..until a young shepherd - volunteered.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- It's a memorable story...
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- ..and a useful analogy - for people like me...
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- ..when describing sporting events.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41- But it is more than a story.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- The conflict between Israel and its - neighbours continues to this day.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01- .
0:12:03 > 0:12:03- Subtitles
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Israel has a long history.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- But just how far back does it go?
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Is there a historical basis...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- ..to the stories - about King David in the Bible?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- What do archaeologist - have to say about them?
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- It's an explosive question - in today's Promised Land.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- There are many places in Israel...
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- ..where the remains - of King David's era have emerged...
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- ..but not here - in the centre of Jerusalem.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- There is - a long Islamic tradition here too.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- The focus reverts back to the - hallowed ground of the Temple Mount.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- According to the Bible, - after David's days...
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- ..his son, Solomon, - came to the throne.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Solomon was a wise king...
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- ..who used his wisdom - to lead an ambitious project.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- The construction - of the Temple of God.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- Skills and resources were drafted in - from afar to undertake the work.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- Solomon's craftsmen - were realizing his plan.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- The Temple acted as the figurative - footstool of God's presence.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- They had to ensure a large-scale - supply of stone, timber...
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- ..bronze and gold...
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- ..on a scale - never seen before in Israel.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- Solomon's Temple - was seven years in the making.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- It took 70,000 labourers...
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- ..on the Temple Mount...
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- ..and it created - the most enduring and legendary...
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- ..mythologically-rich structure - of the ancient world.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- The famed Temple of God.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- But nowadays, not a single stone - of Solomon's Temple still stands.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- There is no way for archaeologists - to examine the site for its ruins.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Palestinians - have forbidden excavation.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- Jews visit the Western Wall to pray.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- They believe it is the closest place - to the Temple's site.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- But there is a better way - to imagine its grandeur.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- Archaeologist David Ilan...
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- ..has mapped - the ancient city of Tel Dan.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- He believes his work can help us...
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- ..imagine the pilgrim's journey - to Jerusalem during Solomon's days.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- Goods were sold - outside the city...
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- ..for the faithful to sacrifice - in the Temple itself.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- As we continue into the city...
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- ..we come - increasingly more engaged...
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- ..in the cultic, - religious aspect of the site.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47- At last we get a glimpse of the - huge altar in the shape of horns...
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- ..and above the platform, - the Temple itself.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- This compound is like - the Temple Mount compound.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- But, of course, nowadays, - the Mount Temple's steps...
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- ..lead to a mosque.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- Now we're walking up the stairs - to the highest platform...
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- ..where the actual temple building, - the Abode of God was located.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- The imagination - is put to good use in Tel Dan.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- Back in Jerusalem, the ancient - Jewish capital is being excavated.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- But it is restricted to only - the base of the Temple Mount.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- The ruins display - some ancient history...
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- ..from when the Temple was built, - according to archaeologists on site.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- One of them has gone further.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02- She believes she has found solid - evidence from the time of Solomon.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- Here, in the Ophel area, a stone's - throw from the Temple Mount...
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- ..she believes she has uncovered - the walls of Solomon's Temple.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- It's contentious, - like many things in Israel.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- Now we can show...
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- ..the actual date of this part of - the fortification line...
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- ..is as early as the second part - of the 10th century BC.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- This is the time of King Solomon - and exactly what the Bible says.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- "Solomon your son - will build my house and my courts."
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- It corresponds with the Bible...
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- ..yet no other ruin from the days - of Solomon has come to light.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- However, Eilat Mazar - believes she is correct...
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- ..because - not only has she examined...
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- ..the foundations' upper layer, - but pottery from within...
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- ..and from the bottom layer too.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Every little tiny piece of shard...
0:18:11 > 0:18:16- ..we examined, - tasking only from within.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- The most amazing thing - is that the pottery...
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- ..is no later - than the late 10th century.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- Any other suggestion will be - just a game. It's not serious.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Evidence that Solomon - once built on this site...
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- ..would be a boost - for the Jewish faithful...
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- ..who wish to possess - the Temple Mount in its entirety.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- But Eilat Mazar's findings...
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- ..fail to convince - many other experts.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- Israel Finkelstein...
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- ..dismisses - the association with Solomon.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- There is also this notion...
0:19:02 > 0:19:08- ..of the city wall of Jerusalem - from the time of King Solomon.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I see no connection between these - remains and the time of Solomon.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- I see solid evidence from - the point of view of archaeology.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Pottery, the way we date pottery.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- The aforementioned evidence...
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- ..dates the pottery - 200 years after Solomon.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- Probably in the late - eighth and seventh centuries BC.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- It's hard - for a visitor to Jerusalem...
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- ..not to feel - that something's gone awry...
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- ..in the history - of Solomon and his temple.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- A wise man searching - for immortality and beauty...
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- ..was a mere mortal - who worshipped false gods...
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- ..and brought a curse upon Israel.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- A curse that some believe - still exists to this day.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- Before the end of his days...
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- ..everything - he had built disintegrated.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- His folly had lured - powerful enemies to the city walls.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- The Babylonians entered Jerusalem.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- For two and a half years - the city was under siege.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- In the end, the conquerors - destroyed the temple.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- In 586, Nebuchadnezzar's armies...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- ..completely overran Jerusalem...
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- ..destroyed the temple...
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- ..burned the houses, burned the - palace, broke down the city walls...
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- ..and destroyed whatever was left - of the Temple of Solomon.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- The Jews were forced into exile.
0:21:38 > 0:21:45- For 70 years, Solomon and David's - subjects lived in Babylon.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- As slaves.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- It was a turning point - in their history...
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- ..and a tragedy that was etched - on the minds of the Jewish nation.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- And an experience, some claim, that - has formed Israel's attitude...
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- ..towards its neighbours today.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- 2,000 years after its destruction...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- ..the dispute - over Solomon's Temple continues.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Next time, I'll focus on events that - happened here in Jesus Christ's day.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- The battle over - the Holy Land of Jerusalem rages on.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:01 > 0:23:01- .