Talpiot Tomb

The Talpiot Tomb is an archaeological first-century CE rock-cut tomb discovered in the East Talpiot area of Jerusalem. It contained a group of limestone ossuaries used in secondary burial practices common in the region during the Roman period.

Excavation records indicate that around ten ossuaries were found in the chamber, and a number of them carry inscriptions written in Hebrew or Aramaic giving personal names. The assemblage and inscriptions have been the subject of scholarly study and public discussion.

The tomb dates to the first century CE and was uncovered during construction work in the area in the late 20th century; it has been documented by Israeli archaeologists and recorded in archaeological reports.

The site lies in the East Talpiot neighbourhood in the southeastern part of Jerusalem, a few kilometres from the Old City and within the modern urban fabric of the city.

• Number of ossuaries and inscriptions: Archaeological reports record approximately ten ossuaries recovered from the tomb, several of which bear inscriptions in Hebrew or Aramaic naming individuals.

What to See #

• Burial chamber: The ossuary chamber is the rock-cut burial cave where decorated stone boxes were placed; the chamber contained multiple ossuaries when it was excavated.
• Inscribed ossuaries: Inscribed ossuaries include several boxes bearing Aramaic or Hebrew inscriptions with personal names that were recorded during the excavation and study of the site.