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TYROPOEON VALLEY

One of the principal valleys that defined the topography of ancient Jerusalem. Jerusalem developed upon two roughly parallel ridges or hills that extend north to south. Deep valleys protect the ridges on the east (the Kidron Valley), west, and south (the Hinnom Valley). The Tyropoeon Valley (modern el-Wad) ran between the two ridges dividing the city into two sections. The temple mount, Ophel, and City of David or “Lower City” occupied the eastern ridge, while the higher southwestern ridge was known as the “Upper City” in NT times. Unnamed in biblical sources, the Greek name Tyropoeon Valley derives from a single reference in Josephus (BJ 5.140) and means “Valley of the Cheesemakers” (Gk. hē tṓn tyropoiṓn pháranx). Modern topographical descriptions of Jerusalem often use the term “Central Valley” as a synonym of this valley.

The true course and depth of the Tyropoeon Valley have been obscured by accumulations of debris, at times reaching 20-30 m. (65-98 ft.) thick. The valley began just N of the Damascus Gate, its upper course following a southeasterly direction to the southwestern corner of the temple mount. The valley then descended more precipitously on the west side of the City of David down to the pool of Siloam and a junction with the Kidron Valley. Excavations have revealed sections of a Herodian road, in places 10 m. (33 ft.) wide, that followed the length of the valley. A large drainage system under the road funneled runoff water to the pool of Siloam, which also was supplied by the Gihon Spring. A bridge built on a series of great vaults spanned the Tyropoeon Valley linking the Upper City with the temple mount. Wilson’s Arch, though partially rebuilt in Arab times, preserves one of the vaults sustaining the bridge that carried foot traffic and water, along an aqueduct, across the valley. At the southeast corner of the temple mount a monumental flight of stairs ascended from the Herodian road in the valley upward to an entrance into the temple precincts. Robinson’s Arch, protruding from the southern end of the western wall, was a part of this staircase. Two other gates (today known as Barclay’s Gate and Warren’s Gate) led into the temple mount at a lower level from a branch of the Herodian road flush with the western wall. Numerous shops along the valley coupled with access to the temple mount made the Tyropoeon Valley a busy thoroughfare of Herodian Jerusalem.

Thomas V. Brisco

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

TYROPOEON VALLEY

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)