Finger of Og, Archaeological site in Russian Compound, Jerusalem, Israel.
Description
Finger of Og is a monolithic stone pillar quarried from local stone near the Russian Compound in Jerusalem. The pillar measures about 12 meters in length and dates to the Second Temple period, though it never left its original quarrying location.
History
Workers uncovered this massive stone pillar during 19th-century construction, revealing it was intended for Herod's building projects. A flaw discovered in the stone prevented its completion and transport to the intended destination.
Culture
The pillar draws its name from biblical references to Og, a king of Bashan, connecting it to stories passed down through generations. This link to ancient texts gives the stone a place in local memory and storytelling.
Practical
The site is freely accessible year-round and located in central Jerusalem near the Tower of David Museum. You can easily visit it together with other archaeological sites nearby in the same district.
Did you know?
A visible crack running through the stone explains why this massive pillar never left its quarry. This flaw rendered it unsuitable for transport and installation, yet inadvertently preserved it as an archaeological curiosity today.
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