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This tomb is located on the eastern side of the Kidron Valley,
on the lower western slope of the Mount of Olives. It probably
was constructed in the second century B.C. - well after the Old
Testament Period.
This tomb is a free standing monument carved out of the bed
rock - note how the rock on the right, left, and rear of the
tomb has been removed.
Note the modern steps and the ancient door on the left rock
scarp. This door leads into chambers behind the tomb of the
"sons of Hezir." Also note to the right of the tomb the smaller
opening in the rock with a Greek Doric column supporting the
ceiling.
This tomb well illustrates the variety of influences
pressuring Judea during the Hellenistic Period. Egyptian
influence can be seen in the pyramid-shaped roof, while the
columns in the front are of the Greek Ionic style! The "modern"
Jewish cemetery on the Mt. of Olives is visible in the very
upper portion of the image. |
