How Long Was The Wall Of Jericho

How Long Was the Wall of Jericho? Unraveling the Archaeological Mystery

The walls of Jericho. The very phrase conjures images of trumpets, collapsing fortifications, and a miraculous victory recounted in the Book of Joshua. But the actual length of these ancient walls, and indeed, their very nature, remains a subject of intense debate amongst archaeologists and biblical scholars alike. This article delves into the complex history of Jericho, examining the archaeological evidence, the biblical narrative, and the ongoing discussion surrounding the dimensions of its legendary walls.

Jericho: A City of Layers and Legends

Jericho boasts one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in the world, a testament to its strategic location in the fertile Jordan Valley. This long history means that what we perceive as "the walls of Jericho" isn't a single, monolithic structure, but rather a succession of fortifications built and rebuilt over millennia. Understanding the chronology is crucial to answering our central question: how long were the walls?

The Pre-Pottery Neolithic Jericho (PPNA): The Earliest Walls

The earliest known walls at Jericho date back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A period (c. 8000-7000 BCE). These walls, constructed from mudbrick, were part of a substantial settlement encompassing a large, roughly circular area. Their exact length is difficult to determine definitively due to the extensive erosion and subsequent building phases that have obscured much of the original structure. Excavations have revealed sections of these early walls, allowing archaeologists to piece together a partial picture, but a precise measurement remains elusive. It's important to note that these walls were not the "walls of Jericho" as depicted in the biblical account.

The Early Bronze Age: The Walls of the Conquest Narrative

The biblical narrative of the conquest of Jericho focuses on a city fortified during the Early Bronze Age (c. 3000-2000 BCE). This is the period most associated with the famous "walls of Jericho" story in the Book of Joshua. However, archaeological evidence from this period is complex and contested.

The key issues surrounding the length of the Early Bronze Age walls include:

• Incomplete excavations: Not all sections of the city walls have been unearthed, making a comprehensive measurement impossible.
• Multiple building phases: The walls were likely rebuilt and repaired over time, complicating efforts to determine the original length.
• Differing interpretations of evidence: Archaeologists often disagree on the dating and purpose of certain wall sections.

Some archaeologists suggest the Early Bronze Age walls were significantly shorter than what is traditionally assumed. Others argue for a more extensive city, encompassing a larger wall perimeter. The lack of complete excavation and the ambiguities in the archaeological record contribute to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the true length.

The Tel: A Mountain of History

Jericho's history is layered, quite literally. The successive constructions and destructions of the city have resulted in a large tell—a mound of accumulated debris and building materials. This "tell" makes excavation exceptionally challenging, as each layer represents a distinct period of Jericho's existence. Determining the exact extent of any particular wall requires painstaking analysis and careful interpretation of the excavated material.

The Biblical Narrative and Archaeological Reality: A Difficult Reconciliation

The biblical account in Joshua 6 describes a massive city with formidable walls that miraculously collapsed at the sound of trumpets. This description has long been debated in light of the archaeological findings.

While archaeological evidence confirms the existence of city walls at Jericho during various periods, the biblical account’s dramatic details don't entirely align with the archaeological data. The exact nature of the wall's destruction, and the timeframe in which the conquest allegedly occurred, are still highly contentious issues.

Discrepancies between the biblical narrative and archaeological findings include:

• Dating: The dating of the Early Bronze Age wall doesn't definitively align with the proposed timeframe for the Israelite conquest as described in the Book of Joshua.
• Nature of the destruction: Archaeological evidence suggests a gradual destruction rather than a sudden, complete collapse as described in the biblical text.
• Scale of the city: The archaeological evidence might not support the size of the city implied in the biblical account.

Ongoing Research and Future Directions

The mystery of the Jericho walls remains unsolved. Ongoing research, including advanced techniques like ground-penetrating radar and detailed stratigraphic analysis, continues to provide new insights into the city's complex history. However, the limitations of excavation and the interpretive nature of archaeological evidence mean that a definitive answer regarding the precise length of any particular Jericho wall may remain elusive.

Future research will likely focus on:

• More complete excavations: Further excavation could reveal previously unknown sections of the walls, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their extent.
• Advanced dating techniques: Improved dating methods could refine our understanding of the chronology of Jericho's walls, helping to link specific walls to specific historical periods.
• Interdisciplinary approaches: Combining archaeological data with textual analysis, environmental studies, and other disciplines could provide a more holistic understanding of Jericho's history and the significance of its walls.

The Significance Beyond the Measurement

The quest to determine the exact length of Jericho's walls transcends mere measurement. It speaks to our desire to understand the past, to reconcile ancient narratives with scientific evidence, and to grapple with the complexities of historical interpretation. The story of Jericho serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing dialogue between archaeology and biblical scholarship, a dialogue that continuously shapes our understanding of the ancient world. The uncertainty surrounding the wall's length doesn't diminish the historical significance of Jericho; instead, it underscores the dynamic nature of archaeological inquiry and the ongoing effort to decipher the secrets embedded within the layers of this ancient city.

Conclusion: A Question Still Unanswered

Ultimately, providing a definitive answer to "How long was the wall of Jericho?" is impossible with the current state of archaeological knowledge. The answer, however, is far more nuanced than a simple numerical figure. The various walls of Jericho, built and rebuilt over millennia, each tell a distinct story of human occupation, conflict, and resilience. The ongoing research, the debate among scholars, and the clash between biblical narrative and archaeological findings highlight the intricacies of understanding the past and the enduring power of Jericho's legacy. The search for the length of the walls remains a journey of discovery, continually revealing new insights into the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The quest continues.