Millo (Akra), a fortification in Jerusalem built by Solomon (1Ki.9.15, 24; 11:27) and repaired by Hezekiah (2Ch.32.5).
Also known as terraces · Akra
Millo, also known as Akra, was a fortified structure in ancient Jerusalem, first mentioned during the reign of King David (2Sa.5.9; 1Ch.11.8). The name "Millo" is derived from the Hebrew word "millu'," meaning "filling" or "terrace," while "Akra" comes from the Greek word for "citadel" or "stronghold."
King Solomon further strengthened and expanded Millo as part of his building projects in Jerusalem (1Ki.9.15, 24). The construction of Millo was a significant undertaking, requiring a large workforce and resources (1Ki.11.27).
During the reign of King Hezekiah, Millo was repaired and fortified as part of the preparations for the Assyrian invasion (2Ch.32.5). The "House of Millo" is mentioned in connection with the coronation of King Joash (2Ki.12.20), suggesting that it may have served as a royal residence or an important administrative center.
The exact location and nature of Millo are not clearly described in the Bible. Some scholars believe that it may have been a terraced structure or a landfill that supported the fortifications and buildings in the City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem. Others suggest that it could have been a separate fortress or citadel within the city. Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered remains of ancient fortifications and structures that may be associated with Millo, but the precise identification remains uncertain.
Approximate location: 31.777, 35.235 · view on a map · on the Bible atlas
(Heb. always with the article, “the” Millo). (1.) Probably the Canaanite name of some fortification, consisting of walls filled in with earth and stones, which protected Jerusalem on the north as its outermost defence. It is always rendered Akra i.e., “the citadel”, in the LXX. It was already existing when David conquered Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:9). He extended it to the right and left, thus completing the defence of the city. It was rebuilt by Solomon (1 Kings 9:15, 24; 11:27) and repaired by Hezekiah (2 Chr. 32:5). (2.) In Judg. 9:6, 20 it is the name of a rampart in Shechem, probably the “tower of Shechem” (9:46, 49).
(a rampart, mound) a place in ancient Jerusalem. Both name and place seem to have been already in existence when the city was taken from the Jebusites by David. (2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Chronicles 11:8) Its repair or restoration was one of the great works for which Solomon raised his “levy,” (1 Kings 9:15,24; 11:27) and it formed a prominent part of the fortifications by which Hezekiah prepared for the approach of the Assyrians. (2 Chronicles 32:5) The last passage seems to show that “the Milo” was part of the “city of David,” that is, of Zion. Comp. (2 Kings 12:20)
MIL'LO (a mound, rampart). "Millo" is used for a part of the citadel of Jerusalem, probably the rampart, or entrenchment. 2 Sam 5:9; 1 Kgs 9:15, 1 Kgs 9:24; 1 Kgs 11:27; 1 Chr 11:8. The same, or part of it, was probably the "house of Millo;" margin "Beth Millo." 2 Kgs 12:20; 2 Chr 32:5. Some think it means the "stronghold of Zion." Lewin suggests that it refers to the whole of the temple enclosure, while Conder curiously suggests that, from its root, it may mean a pool. The first seems the more probable view. Millet (Sorghum Vulgare)
MIL'LO, HOUSE OF. 1. The place where Joash was murdered in Jerusalem. 2 Kgs 12:20. See Millo, above.
Easton (1897), Smith (1863), Hitchcock (1869), Hastings (1898) and Schaff are in the public domain. Parsed text: neuu-org/bible-dictionary-dataset (CC BY 4.0). Headwords and whitespace normalised for this site.
6 verses in 4 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H4407
So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.
This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
As soon as Pharaohʼs daughter had come up from the City of David to the palace that Solomon had built for her, he built the supporting terraces.
and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David.
He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.
Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields.
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.