Tombs of the Sanhedrin

The Tombs of the Sanhedrin are in the Upper Kidron Valley and date from the first and second centuries CE. According to tradition, members of the Sanhedrin were buried in stone coffins in this three- storeyed cave in alcoves hewn out of the rock. They are outstanding for the ornamentation on the lintels at the entrance to the graves.

The word 'sanhedrin' is derived from the Greek word 'synedrion' meaning 'council'. It became the term applied to the supreme Jewish legislative and judicial court, the Sanhedrin, in Jerusalem. It dealt with religious and non-religious matters. The Sanhedrin also served as a place of study. The Sanhedrin had 71 members and the sittings took place in the Temple area.