Gaze upon the Monolith of Silwan. This imposing structure is more than just stone. It’s a silent storyteller. It whispers tales of a forgotten era.
The Monolith of Silwan also known as the Tomb of Pharaoh’s Daughter is a remarkable rock-cut tomb. It resides in the Kidron Valley in Silwan Jerusalem. Dating back to the Kingdom of Judah’s reign it stands as a testament to ancient craftsmanship. Its cuboid form is striking. The upper edges are shaped like an Egyptian cornice.
Originally it was capped by a pyramid structure. Similar to the Tomb of Zechariah. Sadly this capstone was removed during the Roman era. It was quarried for building materials. Today the Monolith stands with a flat roof. Its history is etched in stone. Literally.
Inside you’ll find a single stone bench. This wasn’t just a resting place. It was the base for a sarcophagus. A hewn-out resting place for the deceased. The tomb is designed for a single burial. A solitary occupant for eternity.
A 19th-century theory suggests King Solomon built this tomb. It was intended for his Egyptian wife. However recent research shows otherwise. The Monolith dates to the 9th-7th centuries BCE. This makes a connection to Solomon highly improbable.
The Monolith bears remnants of an ancient inscription. It’s in Phoenician or Hebrew. Sadly much of the inscription has been lost. Byzantine monks expanded the entrance. Their actions sadly destroyed parts of the inscription. They lived in the tomb.
For many years the Monolith of Silwan lay neglected. Trash accumulated. It had an unkempt appearance. Following the 1967 Six-Day War the tomb was cleaned. Yet the Monolith still faces neglect. It is one of Jerusalem’s most forgotten sites. Despite being a magnificent First Temple-period structure.
Today you stand before a monument to time. A stone sentinel silently observing history unfolding around it. This is the Monolith of Silwan a legacy of skill and a poignant reminder of the past.