Akeldama: Judas' Suicide- HInnom Valley

South of the Old City of Jerusalem, on the steep slopes of the Hinnom Valley, one of the Apostles of Jesus committed suicide. The New Testament in Acts and Matthew record Judas' betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

This area of Jerusalem has not always been accessible because of political tensions, and I wanted to cover the unusual places of interest.

It was in this valley that the Judean Kings offered children for sacrifice to Baal.

Akeldama consists of many Second Temple era tomb complexes, ornately decorated, and the Modern Greek Monastery of Onuphrius is a key landmark over this "Field of Blood," (Hakeldama in Aramaic) as it was called in the New Testament.

The Crusader Knights in the 12th century used to bury the deceased pilgrims on this hill, and a charnel house ruin still stands on the spot.

The famous high priest Annas, who tried Jesus, had his family tomb here also. According to Josephus, his tomb was on the siege wall built by Roman General Titus, when he destroyed the Temple in 70 CE.

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🌟©2024 Susan Schmidt PhD ~ All Rights Reserved:

🌟The picture of the Jewish priests is by James Tissot, and is creative
commons free use.

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