Kokhim
Encyclopedia
Kokh is a type of tomb
complex characterized by a series of long narrow shafts, in which the deceased were placed for burial
, radiating from a central chamber. These tomb complexes were generally carved into a rock face, and were usually closed with a stone slab and had channels cut into the centre of the shaft to drain any water that seeped through the rock.
Several examples of Kokhim can be found in the Palestinian territories
and Israel. For example, one third of a Kokhim complex survives at the far west end of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
, in Jerusalem; the Church wall runs through the centre of the complex, and the remaining two thirds no longer exist.
More examples can be found throughout the Judean foothills
Tomb
A tomb is a repository for the remains of the dead. It is generally any structurally enclosed interment space or burial chamber, of varying sizes...
complex characterized by a series of long narrow shafts, in which the deceased were placed for burial
Burial
Burial is the act of placing a person or object into the ground. This is accomplished by excavating a pit or trench, placing an object in it, and covering it over.-History:...
, radiating from a central chamber. These tomb complexes were generally carved into a rock face, and were usually closed with a stone slab and had channels cut into the centre of the shaft to drain any water that seeped through the rock.
Several examples of Kokhim can be found in the Palestinian territories
State of Palestine
Palestine , officially declared as the State of Palestine , is a state that was proclaimed in exile in Algiers on 15 November 1988, when the Palestine Liberation Organization's National Council adopted the unilateral Palestinian Declaration of Independence...
and Israel. For example, one third of a Kokhim complex survives at the far west end of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also called the Church of the Resurrection by Eastern Christians, is a church within the walled Old City of Jerusalem. It is a few steps away from the Muristan....
, in Jerusalem; the Church wall runs through the centre of the complex, and the remaining two thirds no longer exist.
More examples can be found throughout the Judean foothills
Shephelah
The Shephelah is a designation usually applied to the region in south-central Israel of 10-15 km of low hills between the central Mount Hebron and the coastal plains of Philistia within the area of the Judea, at an altitude of 120-450 metres above sea level. The area is fertile, and a temperate...