Cave of the Mausoleum

Abstract

~Beth She'arim was an important Jewish spiritual center in the middle of the Mishnah and Talmud period (Late 2nd - Early 3rd centuries AD). Following the death of Rabi Yehudah Hanassi, president of the Sanhedrin, and his burial in Beth She'arim circa 220 AD, the site became a holy necropolis, where Jews from many countries sought to be buried between 220-351 AD. Located at the Menorah Caves Enclosure, at the southwestern edge of the site. Next to its impressive facade was a grand structure rich with reliefs depicting animals. This structure collapsed, only its rubble is now visible. It was regarded as Nefesh, a memorial monument for commemorating the dead. The courtyard preceding the entrance to the Cave of the Mausoleum is rich with mosaic floors. Inside the cave, stone coffins and arcosolia (arched recess for entombment) graves were found.