Khirbet el-Qom

Khirbet el-Qom is an archaeological site west of Hebron containing burial chambers carved into rock and ancient inscriptions. The location displays remains of walls, tomb structures, and inscribed stones scattered across the hillside.

The site was used primarily between the 8th century BCE and 2nd century CE, showing continuous human activity across centuries. Excavations starting in the 1960s uncovered texts and objects spanning several historical periods.

The inscriptions carved into the tombs reveal names and prayers of the deceased, offering a window into the daily beliefs and family ties of ancient inhabitants. Visitors can still observe how people treated this place as sacred ground and recorded their devotion in stone.

The location sits on hilly terrain, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are essential for exploring. The best time to visit is early in the day when the sun is not too intense and inscriptions are easier to read.

The inscriptions here blend references to different deities, showing that religious practices were more diverse than commonly assumed. This mixture of beliefs gives researchers important clues about how people shaped their spiritual worlds in ancient times.