| In between the
Mount of Olives and the walls of the Old City lies the Kidron
Valley, a valley that illustrates Jerusalem’s fascinating
past. Inside the valley there are various opportunities
for interesting shots, and above the valley are views of
the Silwan neighborhood and the City of David. Also called
the “Valley of Jehoshaphat,” the Kidron Valley
was the natural eastern border of Jerusalem in antiquity.
According to some Jewish sources, God will judge the nations
in the end of days in this valley.
Based on archeological evidence, it is believed that the
elite were buried here during the second, and perhaps first,
temple periods. Traditions were developed over time as to
who is buried in the tombs. Muslim tradition attributes
the tombs to the family of Pharaoh, and Christian tradition
attributes the tomb of Jehoshaphat to Joseph, Mary’s
husband.
According to Jewish traditions, which are estimated to
have originated in the 13th century, there are three central
tombs in the Kidron Valley:
Zechariah’s Tomb – There is actually no tomb
standing today, rather what remains is a monument dating
back to the second half of first century BCE. A Jewish tradition
from the 13th century, believes that this is a funeral monument
in honor of Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest.
Absalom’s Monument – This large stone structure
is believed to be the pillar that is referred to in a passage
in book of Samuel II. In this passage Absalom names a pillar
after himself because he had no son to carry on his name.
The shape of the monument is consistent with architecture
in Roman-Hellenistic times. Behind the monument is Jehoshaphat’s
tomb, a much smaller and simpler tomb.
The Tomb of the Sons of Hezir – Dated to the second
half of the second century BCE this large tomb was used
by an entire family. There is a Hebrew inscription that
includes the names of the family members buried there. It
is believed to have been used for generations by a wealthy
priestly family, because it the Kidron Valley was a prestigious
place to be buried.
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