Ep 3. Jericho and Its Walls

In episode 3 of season 1 of the show Cities of the Ancient World, we explore the ancient city of Jericho and its legendary walls. Jericho, located in modern-day Palestine, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history spanning over 11,000 years.

The episode begins with a brief look at the history of the city, from its earliest beginnings as a small farming community to its rise as a wealthy and powerful city-state. We learn about the various civilizations that have occupied the city over the centuries, including the Canaanites, Israelites, and Romans.

The focus then turns to the famous walls of Jericho. According to the biblical account, Joshua and the Israelites conquered the city by marching around it seven times and blowing their trumpets, causing the walls to come tumbling down. While there is some debate among historians about the accuracy of this story, there is no denying the impressive nature of the walls themselves.

The walls of Jericho were built around 8000 BCE and are some of the oldest known fortifications in the world. They were made of mud bricks stacked in an impressive tower-like structure, reaching up to 26 feet in height and 16 feet in width. The walls would have been a formidable obstacle for any attacking force, and their construction shows a remarkable level of engineering and organization.

We learn about the various methods used to construct the walls, including the use of mud bricks and a specialized type of plaster made from crushed limestone. We also get a sense of what life was like inside the city, with its narrow streets, intricate water supply system, and bustling marketplace.

The episode then delves into some of the mysteries surrounding the walls of Jericho. One of the most intriguing is the question of how they were ultimately breached. While the biblical account suggests that the walls simply came crashing down at the sound of the Israelite's trumpets, scholars have suggested other possible explanations, including the use of battering rams or some sort of ancient explosive device.

The episode also explores some of the other remarkable archaeological finds at Jericho, including a massive stone tower that may have served as a royal palace, and a series of tombs containing the remains of some of the city's wealthiest and most powerful residents.

Throughout the episode, we get a sense of the sheer scale and complexity of this ancient city, and the remarkable achievements of its inhabitants. We also see how the remains of this once-great civilization have survived to inspire and amaze us thousands of years later.

Overall, Jericho and Its Walls is a fascinating and informative look at one of the world's oldest and most legendary cities. Whether you are a seasoned history buff or simply curious about the wonders of the ancient world, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire.