Hershel Shanks

These still-erect pillars form a portion of the famed “Solomon’s Stables” at Megiddo. The site contained two large building complexes, each consisting of several units. Each unit is further subdivided into three long rooms by two rows of pillars such as the ones shown here.

But controversy surrounds these structures: Were they really Solomon’s? Were they even stables? In the article, excavators Israel Finkelstein and David Ussishkin explain why they support the stables theory. Graham I. Davies turns now to the issue of the buildings’ date, showing that while most of the remains visible today are not from Solomon’s time, some tantalizing clues indicate that Israel’s famed king may indeed have garrisoned his horses and chariot brigades at Megiddo stables.