Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which cities are associated with Solomonās building program?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Solomon
The Judgment of Solomon, oil on canvas by Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1617; in the Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery of Denmark), Copenhagen.
According to the biblical account, King Solomon was an ambitious builder who established numerous fortresses and garrison cities to support his empire's trade and military interests.12
The cities most prominently associated with his building program include:
- Jerusalem: As his capital, it was the site of his most significant projects, including the royal palace, a city wall, and the first Temple of Jerusalem.12
- Megiddo: Located at a strategic pass connecting the coastal plain with the Plain of Esdraelon, this city is considered the best-preserved example of his garrison cities, featuring fortifications such as a wall and gateway.23
- Hazor and Gezer: Archaeological excavations have identified Solomonic walls and gateways at these sites that are identical in construction to those found at Megiddo.3
- Tadmor (Palmyra): Solomon is credited with building this city to help control overland trading routes.1
It is important to note that while these cities are linked to Solomon in the biblical narrative, some scholars argue that the archaeological record suggests these fortifications may have emerged more than a century later.2