Tomb of Absalom

Exploring Jerusalem

The Tomb of Absalom is an ancient, monumental rock-cut tomb in the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem. Also known as Absalom’s Pillar, the tomb is part of a burial complex on the Mount of Olives that also includes the Benei Hezir Tombs and Zechariah.


Tomb of Absalom

First, it is worth noting that Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives has been used as a cemetery by Jews for over 3,000 years. It is the largest Jewish cemetery in the world, with over one hundred thousand graves. The Tomb of Absalom is the cemetery’s largest and most famous tomb.

Tomb of Absalom: The Structure of the Tomb

Due to its dome shape, Muslims named Absalom’s Pillar Tantur Fir’aun (Pharaoh’s Hat). The tomb is also a funeral monument (Nefesh) to the burial cave system, the Cave or Tomb of Jehoshaphat, behind it.

In addition, Absalom’s Pillar is approximately 20 meters (66 ft) in height. It stands on a square base and has two distinct parts:  the lower part is a perfectly cubical monolithic block hewn out of stone, while the slightly higher upper part is built of neatly cut ashlars.

Mount of Olives Tour
Holy-Land-Seven-Day-Tour-Mount-of-Olives-Jerusalem

Furthermore, the monolithic block is separated from the vertically cut rock of the Mount of Olives by passageways on three sides. The block is decorated on each side by pairs of Ionic half-columns, quarter-columns in the corners, and pillars in a distyle in antis arrangement—metopes, a Doric frieze of triglyphs, and an Egyptian cornice crown the four square façades.


In This Photo: Absalom’s Pillar As Seen From the Road Leading to the Old City of Jerusalem.

The upper, ashlar-built part of the monument has three different shaped segments. The lower part is a square base on top of the Egyptian cornice. A round drum crowned by a rope-shaped decoration holds a conical roof with concave sides topped by a half-closed lotus flower. The upper part of the tomb represents the outline of a classical tholos similar to the contemporary Nabatean structures from Petra.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Shiloh Excavations In The City Of David

RELATED POSTS

Hasmonean Heritage Museum

In this post, we'll visit the Hasmonean Heritage Museum and its fascinating insights into this extraordinary period of Jewish history.

The Hippo Stadium at Caesarea

The Hippo Stadium at Caesarea National Park is well preserved and super impressive. If you're planning to tour the park don't skip it!

Hula Nature Reserve

The Hula Nature Reserve is a haven of natural beauty, biodiversity, and tranquility. Providing a sanctuary for both wildlife.

Etzel Museum

The Etzel Museum is an important museum that tells the story of one of the most significant movements in Jewish history - the Etzel.

The Museum of Yarmukian Culture

The Museum of Yarmukian Culture stands as a gateway to the fascinating world of the Neolithic Yarmukian culture.

Nahal Mishmar Treasure

Nahal Mishmar Treasure is an astonishing hoard of 429 ritual objects was discovered in 1961 in a cave near Ein Gedi.

Tell Balata

Tell Balata is an ancient city with thousands of years of history, and religious significance just waiting for you to explore.

Chapel of the Ascension

The Chapel of the Ascension is a shrine on top of Mt. Olives. It's believed to be the earthly spot where Jesus ascended into Heaven.

Al-Khatuniyya Madrasa

The Al-Khatuniyya Madrasa is a historic religious and educational institution located in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City.

The Herodian Quarter

The Herodian Quarter is a museum in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. It's a magnificent neighborhood that stood during King Herod's reign.

Need help?

Skip to content