Gehenna, Valley in Jerusalem, Israel
Gehenna is a valley that runs along the southern edge of Jerusalem's Old City, joining the Kidron Valley near the Pool of Siloam. Its slopes carry vegetation today and pass through a narrow, rocky landscape that winds between the hills of the city.
During the First Temple period, the valley served as a site for sacrificial rituals performed by some kings of Judah and later condemned by prophets. King Josiah had the cult sites in the valley destroyed to end such practices.
The name of the valley became Gehenna in religious writing, a term used for a place of reckoning. This expression appears across Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions alike.
Walking paths connect the valley to Jerusalem's Old City and allow visitors to explore the surroundings on foot. The route passes through uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of mobility are helpful.
The valley marks the lowest elevation within Jerusalem and contains remnants of ancient burial sites from several periods. Archaeologists have uncovered fragments of pottery and burial chambers that shed light on early funeral customs.
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