Tombs of the Sanhedrin

The word "sanhedrin" is 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 Tombs of the Sanhedrin are in the Upper Kidron Valley and date from the first and second centuries CE. They are outstanding for the ornamentation at the lintel to the graves. These tombs are carved on three levels inside the hard rock. During the period of the Second Temple members of the Sanhedrin were buried here.

The Sanhedrin had 71 members. The sittings took place in the Temple area. According to tradition members of the Sanhedrin were buried in stone coffins in this three- storeyed cave in alcoves hewn out of the rock.