“Was this for thousands of pigeons?” you might ask, looking at the many niches. We are standing before the Cruciform Columbarium. It is an ancient structure with a fascinating history.
The Cruciform Columbarium, also known as a dovecote, served a very specific purpose. It was an installation for breeding and housing doves. These columbaria were common from the Hellenistic to Byzantine periods.
During the Hellenistic period, columbaria often took the shape of subterranean chambers. They could also be complexes featuring hundreds of triangular or oval-shaped niches for the doves. The numerous columbaria discovered appear to date to this time period. During the Byzantine period, a columbarium was generally a circular or square stone-built tower.
Doves served multiple purposes. People used them for food. Their droppings were used as fertilizer. In the Hellenistic and Second Temple periods, pagans raised them for sacrifice in local temples. Jews also raised them for sacrifice at the Temple Mount. The Bible refers to this in Leviticus and Luke.
This particular subterranean columbarium has a unique cruciform shape. That means it is cross-shaped. It was discovered north of the Jesus is Here cave. It dates back to the Hellenistic period. Specifically, the third century BCE.
Inside, you’ll find approximately 400 niches. Most are rounded, but some are triangular. The entire structure is hewn from rock. Each arm of the cross measures about 10 by 13.5 feet. A hewn staircase, now partially missing, leads from the entrance down to the floor.
Interestingly, after the columbarium was no longer in use, someone carved a narrow tunnel. It starts in the southeastern corner of the chamber. This tunnel likely led to another chamber that is currently blocked.
An inscription was found on the eastern wall of the southern arm. The Greek name “Charo” is inscribed there. Below the inscription is a Greek cross. Archaeologists have also found Late Iron Age pottery sherds scattered nearby.
The Cruciform Columbarium is unique for its shape. It contains dozens of niches for turtledoves. Some niches are triangular. Others are oval-shaped. There is also what looks like a terrace. It may have been a decorative element. It also could have been a place for the turtledoves to walk. They could observe the other side of the columbarium.
Two names of people who worked here were uncovered. One is the ancient Greek name of Havo. These workers likely maintained the columbarium.
The Cruciform Columbarium provides a glimpse into the agricultural and religious practices of ancient times. It shows how people ingeniously used the landscape to meet their needs. As you leave this place, consider the resourcefulness of those who came before us.