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The wells are located on the northern tip of the ridge where the old city of Bethlehem is perched, right at the beginning of historic Star Street. No less than a century ago, this part of town was outside the city walls, and beyond it northwards was a wilderness. There are three wells that were excavated between 326-330, for the purpose of collecting rainwater to be used for the locals for domestic and agricultural purposes, but passers-by and pilgrims were welcome to quench their thirst and rest their weary feet. It is believed that King David drank from the natural spring that pre-dated the wells during his battle with the Philistines. When the wells were excavated in 1885, archeologists discovered remains of a mosaic floor of an ancient Byzantine church and a cemetery dating back to the 5th or 6th century. "Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem" - King David in 2 Samuel 23:15
