We’ve all heard the phrase: “the walls came tumbling down.” But did they? And if so, how?

The ancient city of Jericho, located in the West Bank near the Jordan River, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth. For decades, archaeologists and theologians have debated whether its famous walls truly collapsed as described in the Bible—or if something else entirely brought them down.

As with many ancient stories, the truth may lie somewhere between scripture and science.

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A City Older Than Time

Well…not really but you get the point.  😃

Jericho’s origins stretch back over 11,000 years—long before even the pyramids were built. It became a fortified city during the Bronze Age, and its famous double stone walls were considered an architectural marvel for their time.

These walls were massive—some reaching up to 20 feet tall and 6 feet thick. So, the biblical claim that a marching army and a few trumpet blasts brought them down? Naturally, that sparked curiosity.

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What the Bible Says

In the Book of Joshua, the Israelites, led by Joshua himself, circle the city for six days. On the seventh, they blow trumpets, shout, and the walls dramatically collapse, allowing the Israelites to capture the city.

To many, this account is symbolic or allegorical. But some archaeologists think there may be a kernel of truth hidden in the rubble.

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What Archaeology Suggests

Excavations at Tell es-Sultan, the site of ancient Jericho, began in the early 20th century. The most famous dig, led by Kathleen Kenyon in the 1950s, uncovered collapsed walls and burned structures—but dated them hundreds of years before the supposed time of Joshua’s conquest.

Still, other scholars argue the dating could be off, and more recent re-analysis suggests that a massive earthquake may have caused a dramatic collapse consistent with the biblical story—not supernatural, but still awe-inspiring.

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So… What Really Happened?

Earthquake? Geological evidence supports it. Jericho sits near a fault line.

Myth to Inspire? Like many ancient texts, the Bible may reflect real events through a symbolic lens.

Military Strategy? Some say the Israelites may have undermined the walls from within—an early form of psychological warfare.


Whatever the truth is, the legend endures, sparking debates across faith, science, and archaeology to this day.

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Your Turn—What Do YOU Think?

Was the fall of Jericho a miraculous event? A natural disaster? Or a retelling of something more nuanced?

Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep questioning—and remember: sometimes the most powerful stories are buried just beneath the surface.

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