King David's Tomb: The Burial site of the Second King of Israel
King David’s Tomb is traditionally located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, in a building complex that also houses the Cenacle, the site of the Last Supper. The tomb is situated in a ground floor room of the complex, marked by a large cenotaph adorned with a velvet cloth and embroidered with symbols associated with King David, including a crown and a harp.
The exact location and authenticity of the tomb have been subjects of debate among historians, archaeologists, and religious scholars.
Location
The Tomb of Absalom is situated in the Kidron Valley, also known in the Bible as the Valley of Jehoshaphat. This valley runs southeast from Jerusalem down to the Judean Desert, eventually leading to the Dead Sea. The tomb is nestled between the Mount of Olives and the Old City Temple Mount. It is located a few hundred meters from the City of David.
Biblical Context
Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.
The identification of King David’s Tomb with its current location on Mount Zion dates back to the Byzantine period, around the 4th century CE. However, it’s important to note that this identification was based more on religious tradition and pilgrimage practices than on archaeological evidence3.
The historical context of the tomb’s identification is further complicated by the fact that the area known today as Mount Zion was not part of inhabited Jerusalem during King David’s time. This has led some scholars to argue that the tomb’s location on Mount Zion is highly improbable, if not impossible.
The identification of King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion was further solidified by the accounts of various pilgrims and travelers throughout the Middle Ages. These accounts, while not providing definitive archaeological evidence, have contributed to the enduring belief in the tomb’s location on Mount Zion.
Historical Conflicts Surrounding King David's Tomb
The site traditionally identified as King David’s Tomb has been a subject of contention and conflict throughout history, reflecting the complex and layered history of Jerusalem itself. The disputes surrounding the site often mirror the broader religious and political conflicts that have characterized the region over the centuries.
The earliest conflicts over the site can be traced back to the question of its authenticity. According to some scholars, the area known today as Mount Zion was not part of inhabited Jerusalem in King David’s time, making it highly improbable that he was buried there. This view is supported by the Bible, which states that David was buried in the City of David (1 Kings 2:10), a location that most scholars agree is not the same as the current Mount Zion. Others believe differently. Despite this, the tradition of King David’s Tomb being located on Mount Zion has persisted.
The site has also been a focal point of conflict between different religious communities. Over the centuries, the Tomb has been under the control of various religious groups, including Christians, Muslims, and Jews, each of whom has left their mark on the site. These shifts in control often reflected the broader political changes in the region, with each new ruling power imposing its own religious and cultural practices on the site.
Archaeology and Architecture of the Tomb
The current structure housing King David’s Tomb is a mixture of architectural styles reflecting the various periods of its construction and renovation. The building complex includes elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Ottoman architecture.
The tomb itself is marked by a large cenotaph, a symbolic tomb, covered with a velvet cloth. The cenotaph is not an archaeological artifact but a symbol of religious veneration.
Despite the historical significance of the site, little archaeological excavation has been conducted at the tomb due to religious sensitivities and restrictions.
The Vandalism of Ottoman Mosaics
A significant incident in the recent history of King David’s Tomb involves the destruction of Ottoman-era ceramic tiles that once adorned the walls of the tomb’s main room. These tiles, dating back to the 17th century, were shattered in 2012 by a 30-year-old man who was later arrested. The man, who had come to the tomb to pray for a marriage match, was informed that his prayers would only be answered if he prayed directly to the stones behind the ceramic tiles.
Approximately two weeks later, vandals further destroyed the antique ceramic tiles, which were created by Ottoman-era artists and served as a testament to the tomb’s multicultural history. This act of vandalism was met with protest from a group of academics and historians, who argued that the Israel Antiquities Authority’s (IAA) decision not to restore the tiles was tantamount to rewarding the vandals.
The IAA defended its decision, stating that the tiles were irreversibly damaged and that a full restoration would not be in line with the authority’s mission. Instead, the IAA chose to preserve the hewn rock walls of the original structure. The few tiles that survived the vandalism were left in place and professionally preserved.
Sources:
Wikipedia: King David’s Tomb
Is T1 David’s Tomb?
Sites Nearby
- Dormition Abbey: This massive basilica, located on Mount Zion, commemorates the “falling asleep” (death) of the Virgin Mary.
- Zion Gate: One of the eight gates in the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, Zion Gate leads directly into the Armenian and Jewish Quarters.
- The Jewish Quarter: This is one of the four traditional quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is home to several important sites, including the Broad Wall, the Hurva Synagogue, the Roman Cardo, and the Western Wall.
- Cenacle (The Room of the Last Supper): Located in the same building complex as King David’s Tomb, the Cenacle is traditionally believed to be the site of the Last Supper.
