Hi Theophilus,
The info at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Wall especially the retaining wall article is very relevant.
If one were to elevate the huge plaza at the vatican complex by 50 to 150+ feet you would have an 'equivalent' wall.
Practically, there are so many 'layers' in that part of Jerusalem that discoveries are made on a regular basis, yielding new and 'jigsaw piece' information.
Tunnels and water cisterns are catacoomed under the city and mount as well!!
Because of the difficulties with the Waaf and islaam ,getting to the great depths needed in excavating the most ancient finds presents all kinds of obstacles.
What is called the western wall is a 'modern' build from the Herodian period and was not part of the Temple.
On the mount itself the Temple was lined with gold, so when it was set on fire, it melted.
Rivulets of gold ran into the foundations, causing even these to be dug up!!
To be honest the 'Old City' that was nearly new when David and Solomon started builing are tens of feet below what is considered old. Most of the city was rebuilt in the times of Herod, and again most of what is uppermost today is from 15th and 19th century Turkish Ottoman rebuilds especially the outer walls.
Due to ignorance, religious fervour, and desparation modern Jewry has enshrined the wall for its own reasons.
In hebrew it is called the 'kotel'.
Sorry to sound like a 'party pooper'.
Jane
of J&M currently living accross the valley from the southeast of the city .