Experts are baffled by these mysterious ancient “V” markings found in Jerusalem

Experts in the field of archaeology have been baffled by some mysterious stone engravings that were discovered in an excavation beneath Jerusalem.

Marks carved in the bedrock over 2,800 years ago, are seen in an archeological excavation in the city of David near Jerusalem's Old City, Dec. 1, 2011
Marks carved in the bedrock over 2,800 years ago, are seen in an archeological excavation in the city of David near Jerusalem’s Old City, Dec. 1, 2011 © Image Credit: Danny Herman (Fare Use)

The following markings were discovered in 2011 by Israeli excavators working in the city’s oldest section, when they uncovered a network of chambers carved into the bedrock: In one of the rooms, the limestone floor featured three “V” shapes that were cut next to one other and were approximately 5 centimeters (2 inches) deep and 50 centimeters (9.6 inches) long.

Nothing was discovered that could shed light on who created them or what they were used for. “The markings are very strange, and very intriguing. I’ve never seen anything like them,” one of the dig’s directors, Eli Shukron, made this statement.

The Ancient City of Jerusalem Edited illustration from the Library of Congress of ancient Jerusalem
The Ancient City of Jerusalem. Edited illustration from the Library of Congress of ancient Jerusalem © Image Credit: Stuart Rankin | Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)

They have determined based on the presence of certain ceramic shards that the room was last used around 800 BC when Judean rulers ruled the region; nevertheless, it is unknown whether the markings were made then or long before. But anonymous hands cut the shapes 3,000 years ago at the earliest.

The purpose of the complex is part of the riddle. The straight lines of its walls and level floors are evidence of careful advanced engineering, and it was located close to the most important site in the city, the spring, suggesting it might have had an important function.

The mysterious standing stone from the City of David.
The mysterious standing stone from the City of David. © Image Credit: Danny Herman (Fare Use)

However, the environment is not without interesting clues. Another room held a standing stone with markings reminiscent of some pagan religion, the only one of its kind found in the city.

A British explorer drew a map that dates back a century and displays a “V” symbol in an underground passage that has not been explored in recent times.

They possessed such advanced technology; did some unknown extraterrestrial being provide them with the power necessary to achieve this, or did they develop it on their own?