Beit She'arim National Park, Archaeological necropolis in Kiryat Tiv'on, Israel.
Beit She'arim National Park is an archaeological necropolis near Kiryat Tiv'on containing over 30 burial cave systems carved into limestone bedrock. These underground chambers feature complex passageways and rooms spread across multiple levels that visitors can explore.
The site became a major Jewish burial ground between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE after Rabbi Judah the Prince made his home there. His presence transformed the location into a center of religious importance and drew burials from across the region.
The burial caves display numerous inscriptions in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Palmyrene, alongside decorative carvings that reflect Jewish traditions of the Roman period. These writings and images tell stories about the people who were laid to rest here.
The park is divided into three main sections: the central mausoleum, the Menorah caves with guided tours available, and archaeological remains outside the fenced grounds. Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the caves involves climbing and uneven pathways.
The park museum houses an extraordinary glass slab weighing 8.8 tons, revealing how advanced glass-making techniques were in ancient times. This artifact ranks among the largest known glass objects from that era.
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