Southern Tomb Complex

This tomb is located on the eastern side of the Kidron Valley, on the lower westerm slope of the Mount of Olives. It probably was constructed in the second century B.C. - well after the Old Testament Period. It was in existence in Jesus' day.

This tomb is a free standing monument carved out of the bed rock - note how the rock on the right, left, and rear of the tomb has been removed.

Note the modern steps and the ancient door on the left rock scarp. This door leads into chambers behind the tomb of the "sons of Hezir." Also note to the right of the tomb the smaller opening in the rock with a Greek Doric column supporting the ceiling.

This tomb well illustrates the variety of influences pressuring Judea during the Hellenistic Period. Egyptian influence can be seen in the pyramid-shaped roof, while the columns in the front are of the Greek Ionic style! The "modern" Jewish cemetery on the Mt. of Olives is visible in the very upper portion of the image.

For a more detailed view of the tomb click here.

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To view additional images of Second Temple Tombs in the Kidron Valley Click Here.

Image from the Zondervan Atlas of the Bible, p. 191. To view/use additional images from the Atlas Click Here.