Israel - Photos

'Tower of David Ruins'

The Tower of David is actually known as the Citadel, and was built by Herod the Great as a royal palace, and as the western defense of Jerusalem. It was protected by walls and by three huge towers. The Citadel was used by Titus in the year 70 A.D. as barracks for the Tenth Roman Legion, as well as a witness to the heroism and might of the Roman soldiers. The massive Herodian blocks are still visible at the base. The Citadel was restored by the Crusaders and by the Mamelukes in the 12th and 14th century. Suleiman the Magnificent, restored it in 1540, and most of the present structure dates from this time. It is known as the Tower of David as it is said that Herod built his palace on the site of an earlier fortress built by King David. In the summer months a sound and light production titled "A stone in David's Tower" is given at the Citadel