A group of archeologists in Israel have made a controversial claim that they have discovered a palace belonging to King David.

A huge fortified complex at Khirbet Qeiyada, if actually a palace of King David, would be the first palace of his to be unearthed.

“Khirbet Qeiyafa is the best example exposed to date of a fortified city from the time of King David,” Hebrew University archaeologist Yossi Garfinkel said. Garfinkel led the seven year dig with the help of Israel’s Antiquities Authority.

Critics were quick to dismiss the claims saying that any kingdom of the area could have occupied the castle grounds. Despite the team’s discovery of items that were typically used by Judeans, the critics say there’s no “definitive proof” of King David’s existence.

A rival archaeologist told the Associated Press the location was an “elaborate” and “well-fortified” 10th century B.C. castle but there was no way to confirm it was Israelite in origin.