đź‘‘Exploring King Herod’s Family Tomb in Jerusalemđź‘‘
Exploring King Herod’s Family Tomb in Jerusalem
Hidden beneath the layers of Jerusalem’s long & complex history lies a place believed to be Herod’s family tomb, often referred to as the Cave of the Kings. This remarkable archaeological site offers a glimpse into the power, wealth & legacy of one of history’s most famous rulers: Herod the Great.
Herod, the king of Judea under Roman rule, was known for his ambitious building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple, several fortresses in Judea & Samaria, the city of Caesarea Maritima - with the largest man-made harbour in the whole of the Roman Empire - the fortress of Masada, & Phasael's Tower in the complex of the Tower of David - the only remaining remnant of Herod's palace in Jerusalem.
Herod's family tomb, carved into the limestone rock of Jerusalem can be found on the west side of Jerusalem's Old City, in a park behind the King David Hotel. It is famous for it's preserved rolling stone and it is the final resting place of several of Herod's family members, including his wife Mariamne, who was singled out for execution after Herod’s infamous sister, Salome, informed him that Marianne had committed adultery.
Even in ruins, this family cave gives us an idea of the wealth & influence wielded by Herod’s family, & indicates the importance of Jerusalem as the symbolic heart of his reign. Over the centuries, the tomb has been revered, looted, forgotten, rediscovered & studied by archaeologists from around the world. Today, it is a significant historical landmark.
Herod himself was ultimately buried at Herodium (near Bethlehem) -a huge fort southeast of Jerusalem, on the outskirts of the Judean Desert.
For visitors seeking a blend of history, archaeology & adventure, Herod’s family tomb is a must-see stop on any tour of Israel’s capital, & can be combined with a visit to the Tower of David & a Kotel tunnel tour.
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