Writing, Dwellings and Burials

It was in the Early Bronze Age that writing was invented in Egypt and Mesopotamia and so this is the time when the historical periods begin (as opposed to the prehistorical periods). The earliest dwellings found in the City of David belong to this time. They had a standard design that has been dubbed the “Arad house,” named after the city of Arad where dwellings of this type were first discovered. A few tombs of ancient Jerusalem residents were also found in the City of David dating to this period. Decorated vessels from this period found in the City of David reveal daily life and the latest fashion in kitchenware. These vessels were unearthed by the Parker expedition, which excavated in the City of David (1909–1911) seeking the treasures of the Temple.