Monumetal Tomb 2

Monumetal Tomb 2

View of the monumental tomb of Publius Varus that was constructed around the first century B.C.

Note the steps leading up to the outer court of the tomb, the two upright columns at its entrance, and the stone arch construction.

The tomb was built of the local andesite stone.  Note that the tomb abuts against the Hellenistic city wall.

The tomb is located just to the left of the Western Gate in a very prominent position!

See this artistic reconstruction of the tomb.  For the roofline, compare the "Tomb of Absalom" in the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem!  Note also (on the plan) the interior of the tomb—there is no burial chamber but benches along three walls and a courtyard in front of the chamber.