Early Jerusalem fortifications unearthed

Israeli archaeologists have discovered a massive wall in Jerusalem's Old City, believed to be part of the earliest fortifications built to protect the ancient city, according to officials.

The eight-metre high wall dates back more than 3,700 years and was built by the Canaanites to protect the city's water source from marauding nomads, said Professor Ronny Reich, the director of the excavation.

Prof. Reich said the "gigantic fortification" helps explain how the city thrived even though the spring that watered Jerusalem was outside the main defences.

"These are the earliest fortifications in the region," Prof. Reich said, adding that it indicated the Canaanites were a sophisticated culture capable of building on this scale.

The Canaanites were early inhabitants of the region before they were conquered by the Israelites.