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Writer's pictureRenae

A Walk Through Time: The City of David Pilgrimage Road and Its New Challenge Coin



The City of David Pilgrimage Road  Challenge Coin

The City of David, located just south of the Old City's walls in Jerusalem, is the ancient core of the city and is believed to be the original site of biblical Jerusalem from the time of King David around 1000 BCE. This historic area is rich in archaeological discoveries, including the Siloam Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam, providing invaluable insights into ancient urban life and religious practices. Today, it is a vibrant tourist destination offering guided tours and educational programs, allowing visitors to explore its profound historical and cultural significance. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal new aspects of its past, solidifying the City of David's importance in understanding Jerusalem's ancient history and its enduring religious heritage.


The City of David Pilgrimage Road, a significant archaeological discovery, is a stepped street that dates back to the Second Temple period in Jerusalem, believed to have been used by pilgrims ascending from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount. Unearthed beneath layers of history, this ancient pathway provides tangible evidence of the routes taken by Jewish worshippers during major festivals such as Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The road, lined with shops and ritual baths, offers a glimpse into the vibrant life of Jerusalem in antiquity, illustrating the city's role as a religious epicenter. Today, the Pilgrimage Road is a focal point for both tourists and scholars, enhancing our understanding of historical and religious practices in ancient Jerusalem.



The opening ceremony of the City of David Pilgrimage Road was a momentous event, marking the unveiling of a significant archaeological and historical landmark in Jerusalem. Dignitaries, archaeologists, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the restoration and accessibility of this ancient pathway, which dates back to the Second Temple period. The ceremony highlighted the Pilgrimage Road's historical importance as a route used by Jewish worshippers traveling from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount during major religious festivals. Speeches, tours, and a symbolic walk along the newly opened road underscored its role in connecting modern visitors with Jerusalem's rich past, enhancing both cultural heritage and historical understanding.


City of David Pilgrimage Road Challenge Coin
City of David Pilgrimage Road Challenge Coin

The challenge coin commemorating the opening ceremony of the City of David Pilgrimage Road is a striking piece of craftsmanship. The obverse side features a gleaming gold design, with King David's Lyre prominently displayed at the center. Surrounding the lyre are the words "City of David Ancient Jerusalem," symbolizing the historical and cultural significance of this ancient pathway. The border is inscribed with the phrases "Jerusalem, a city united together as one" and "The place where it all began," emphasizing the unifying spirit of Jerusalem and its foundational role in religious history.



City of David Pilgrimage Road Challenge Coin
City of David Pilgrimage Road

On the reverse side of the coin, an intricate depiction of the Pilgrimage Road is showcased, offering a glimpse into the historic route that once connected the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount. The coin is dated with both English and Hebrew inscriptions, "June 30, 2019" and "27 Sivan 5779," marking the official opening of the 2000-year-old road. The border of this side is etched with the phrase "The 2000 Year Old Pilgrimage Road Opening Ceremony," celebrating the ceremonial occasion and the enduring legacy of this ancient Jerusalem landmark.




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