Hirbat Midras, Archaeological site in Jerusalem District, Israel
Hirbat Midras is an archaeological site containing burial caves, passage tunnels, and ancient stone structures within the Adullam Grove Nature Reserve. The remains span several underground limestone chambers linked by a network of corridors that visitors can explore on foot.
The site shows occupation from the 10th century BCE through the 4th century CE, with remains linked to the Bar Kokhba revolt period. This long span of habitation left multiple layers of evidence within the underground chambers and tunnels.
The excavated burial pyramid and columbarium demonstrate the ancient practices of death commemoration and bird-keeping methods in the Second Temple period.
Bring a flashlight to navigate the underground tunnel network, which typically takes about 20 minutes to explore completely. The limestone passages have uneven floors and varying ceiling heights, so careful footing and attention are needed throughout.
The site features a stepped pyramid structure made of precisely dressed stones that marks a burial chamber, an uncommon architectural form in this region. This distinctive construction method shows the care taken in preparing tombs during ancient times.
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