Archaeology
The ridge to the west of Silwan, known as the City of David, is believed to be the original Bronze Age and Iron Age site of Jerusalem. Archaeological exploration began in the 19th-century. Vacant during most of the Ottoman period, Jewish and Arab settlement began in the late 19th-century. Islamic-era skeletons discovered in the course of excavations have disappeared. ElAd was accused of excavating on Palestinian property and beginning its work on the City of David tunnels before receiving a permit from the Jerusalem municipality.
In 2007, archaeologists unearthed a 2,000-year-old mansion that may have belonged to Queen Helene of Adiabene under a parking lot. The building includes storerooms, living quarters and ritual baths.
In April 2008, the Israeli High Court temporarily halted excavations.
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