Archeologists find evidence of earthquake referenced in the Book of Amos

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Storage vessel damaged in the earthquake in Jerusalem after restoration - Photo: Dafna Gazit Israel Antiquities Authority.

“You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah.” Zechariah 14:5

Breaking news: The Israel Antiquities Authority’s excavations in the City of David National Park – uncovered archaeological evidence of the earthquake that occurred during the Kingdom of Judah, as mentioned in the Bible.

The famous earthquake, which occurred in Israel about 2800 years ago, appears in the Bible and was previously exposed in several sites throughout Israel, but researchers believe that for the first time they were able to identify remnants of destruction indicating that the earthquake also hit Jerusalem – the capital of Judah.

According to Dr. Joe Uziel and Ortal Kalaf, excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority – the earthquake that occurred in the middle of the 8th century BCE was probably one of the strongest and most damaging earthquakes in ancient times. Evidence of its occurrence has been discovered in past excavations conducted at a variety of sites throughout Israel. Recent excavations revealed a layer of destruction from when the building’s walls collapsed, including a row of shattered vessels, bowls, lamps, cooking utensils, smashed storage, and storage jars. Researchers say that since no signs of fire were found; this was not a deliberate event; therefore, the reason for the destruction is the earthquake that occurred in Israel during the eighth century BCE.

The research conducted and the findings from this excavation will be presented at the beginning of September at the annual archeological conference of the Magalim Institute. It will be held in the City of David – Old Jerusalem. We are excited to share the story of these spectacular remains with you.