How big were the walls of Jericho in the Bible?

As a historian specializing in ancient civilizations, I've spent considerable time studying the biblical narratives and archaeological findings that relate to the city of Jericho. The story of the walls of Jericho is one of the most famous tales from the Hebrew Bible, specifically found in the Book of Joshua. It's a story that has captured the imagination of scholars and laypeople alike for centuries due to its dramatic depiction of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. The narrative describes the walls as being brought down through a divinely orchestrated event, where the Israelites marched around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day, after which the walls "fell flat" (Joshua 6:20). However, the historical and archaeological accuracy of this account is a subject of debate among scholars. The reference you've provided suggests that the walls of Jericho date back to around 8000 BC and were a significant military innovation. This dating is quite early and does not align with the biblical timeline or most archaeological findings. The city of Jericho is indeed one of the oldest known inhabited cities in the world, but the walls associated with the biblical account are generally believed to be from a later period. Archaeological evidence indicates that Jericho had fortifications, but the dating of these structures is crucial. The earliest known walls, which are sometimes associated with the biblical narrative, date to around 7000 BC, which is still earlier than the biblical timeline of the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, traditionally placed around the late Bronze Age (around 1200 BC). These early walls were indeed substantial, but their purpose is a matter of scholarly debate. Some argue they were for defense against floods or animals rather than human enemies. The walls you're referring to, being at least 13 feet (4 meters) in height and backed by a watchtower around 28 feet tall, would have been impressive for their time. However, it's important to note that the archaeological record is complex, and the remains of different periods of occupation are often found in the same location. The walls and towers described could be from a later period of Jericho's history, possibly the Early Bronze Age, when the city was again fortified. The significance of Jericho's walls, whether from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period or the Early Bronze Age, is that they represent some of the earliest known examples of urban fortification. The construction of such walls would have required a significant amount of labor and planning, indicating a level of social organization and possibly a response to perceived threats. In conclusion, while the biblical account of the walls of Jericho is a powerful story, the archaeological evidence provides a more nuanced picture. The walls were indeed large and would have been a formidable defense, but their exact dimensions, dating, and purpose are subjects of ongoing research and discussion. As an expert in the field, I would advise a cautious approach to the interpretation of both biblical and archaeological sources, recognizing the limitations and potential biases in each.

The stone walls of Jericho, which date from about 8000 bc, represent the first technology that can be ascribed unequivocally to purely military purposes. These walls, at least 13 feet (4 metres) in height and backed by a watchtower or redoubt some 28 feet tall, were clearly--