“[W]e can be surprised by the facts”, says Mazar, speaking of the current efforts. “[W]e are in the very heart of the Ophel—very heart of the acropolis, and what we should expect is royal construction ….”[1]
The project leadership reports that the renewed Ophel excavations are going to be "a direct continuation of what her team did in her first Ophel phase—near the water gate complex". [1]
“[W]e are in the very core of the Ophel—the most important part,” says Mazar. “The potential is fantastic.”[1]
Though the Ophel excavations have already shown promise for shedding new light on the Jerusalem of the 10th century and later centuries, the efforts do not go without scholarly controversy. Some prominent Israeli archaeologists, like Israel Finkelstein of Tel Aviv University, have disputed Mazar's interpretation of the finds, and some other critics have even suggested that some supporters and promoters of the Ophel excavation program have been influenced in their interpretation by a political and religious agenda within the context of the political dispute about Jerusalem.
Despite the controversy, however, the excavations, like those that began in 2010 at the same site, are expected to reveal finds that will further illuminate the historicity of an ancient monumental city that continues to lie at the center of the world's three largest religions.
Mazar has indicated that she now hopes to significantly shorten the time between discovery of the finds and their actual publication. In addition, the Armstrong College will be publishing updates of dig activities and events at an online site, The Key to David's City, soon after they occur, for public consumption. Over 20 representatives from the college are volunteering at the excavation site.
Some of the artifacts from previous excavations are now exhibited at the Armstrong College campus, including First Temple period artifacts such as the two Hebrew bullae* of Gedaliah and Jehucal, individuals noted in the writings of the prophet Jeremiah, and discovered during excavations at the site that has been suggested by Mazar to be the remains of the palace of King David.
More information about the ongoing Ophel excavations can be obtained by going to the website at The Key to David's City.
http://www.keytodavidscity.com/