The Tomb Of Zechariah In Jerusalem
The Tomb of Zechariah, which is located in the Kidron Valley at the foot of the Mount of Olives is truly a stunning site. But please don’t be disappointed to learn that Zechariah is not buried here. It was constructed apparently for someone else, who for whatever reason did not merit to have their name associated with it thousands of years later. Such is life! Or rather such is history, things get mixed up a bit, sort of like the game of telephone, but over a long period of time. Will Americans understand in a thousand years why kleenex is called kleenex? Do you even know why is it called that today, just 50 or so years later? Sorry, I digress, just an example to illustrate my point.
The Tomb of Zechariah is entirely hewn from stone, and was never used for burial as it has no interior space, rather it is a monument for a burial complex that commemorated the name of the deceased. The monument dates to the end of the Second Temple period (first century BCE) and reveals a mixture of styles. Particularly prominent are the columns and capitals in Greek architectural style. While the complex was attributed to Zechariah the prophet late in its history; apparently it is the burial monument of a Second Temple period Judean noble. Its facade bears inscriptions carved by Jewish pilgrims in various periods.
Really stunning, so happy those police on horses happened by for my photo!
Just above the Tomb of Zechariah is the Mount of Olives Jewish cemetary.
Do take the time to visit the Tomb of Zechariah, so very interesting and worth every moment!
