Monolith of Silwan, Rock-cut tomb in Silwan, Jerusalem
Description
The Monolith of Silwan is a tomb carved directly from limestone with a cubic shape and Egyptian-style ornamental ledges at the top. Inside, a bench carved from the rock likely once held a sarcophagus.
History
The tomb was built during the Kingdom of Judah between the 9th and 7th centuries BCE, originally topped with a pyramid-shaped cap. The cap was removed during Roman times.
Culture
The structure shows burial customs from the First Temple period, when such monuments were built for important officials. The carved style and remaining inscriptions reveal how people of that time thought about death and the afterlife.
Practical
The tomb sits on the eastern slope of the Kidron Valley, visible from Silwan village. Pathways allow visitors to approach and view the exterior from different angles to see its carved details clearly.
Did you know?
The tomb now sits within the modern village of Silwan, surrounded by contemporary houses. Some of the area's older graves have been incorporated into new buildings and are used as storage or water storage spaces.
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