Invisible destruction? Identifying microscopic evidence of destruction by fire in iron age structures in Jerusalem

The identification of destruction layers in the ancient southern Levant has traditionally focused on visible indicators like collapse, in situ pottery assemblages, and fire markers. However, microscopic criteria can provide insight into past destruction events when visible evidence has not been preserved and improve our ability to reconstruct them. The Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem at the end of the Iron Age is considered a key event in the region’s history. Three structures dated to this period were excavated in Area U, at the city’s ancient core on the southeastern ridge. However, only one room among those excavated showed a clear destruction layer. This paper analyzes the micro-archaeological evidence from this room and from another room that showed no clear indication of destruction by fire. The analysis revealed that both rooms were exposed to low levels of radiated heat caused by fire during the destruction and were left open to decay through natural erosion. The results of this study indicate that by carefully examining the microscopic markers in relation to the macroscopic context, we may identify destruction by fire in structures where no clear markers were identifiable during the excavation. In addition to searching for visible signs of destruction, the analysis of these “invisible” markers should be integrated to achieve a more accurate reconstruction of the site’s history.