Lipschits synthesizes details of several archaeological excavations in Jerusalem along with a critical assessment of their recent interpretations relating to the Persian period. He rejects ultra-minimalist work by Zwickel, whose suggestions are based on biblical text, and Finkelstein, whose suggestions are isolated to archaeological interpretations with what Lipschits considers underestimated numbers for size and inhabitants used for calculations. The Persian period archaeological remains were most likely affected by the building activity in later centuries. Excavation maps are provided to guide the discussion.