Newly unearthed epigraphic evidence, including tau crosses, has prompted a reassessment of a prominent ancient Jerusalem tomb. Archaeological and epigraphic evidence indicates that the “Tomb of Absalom” constitutes the earliest Judeo-Christian pilgrimage site in the Holy Land.
See also J. Zias, “The ‘Tomb of Absalom’: The Earliest Judeo-Christian Place of Pilgrimage in Jerusalem,” The Ancient Near East Today 11.3 (March, 2023). https://anetoday.org/zias-tomb-absalom.
By Joe Zias
Emeritus Curator of Archaeology and Anthropology,
Israel Antiquities Authority
June 2025
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