New archaeological evidence suggests that a famous Christian pilgrimage site might be the royal tomb of Herod the Great's sister, thereby showing that centuries of religious tradition is wrong. Two years ago, it was designated as the tomb of the midwife of Jesus Christ. But now they are not so sure.
A Sacred Site's Hidden Royal Origins
Deep in the Judean foothills, about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Jerusalem, lies one of the most mysterious burial sites in the Holy Land. For over a millennium, the Cave of Salome has attracted Christian pilgrims who wanted to venerate a woman they thought was linked with Jesus Christ. However, explosive new research demonstrates that this holy site was probably built for a very different person: Salome, the powerful sister of Herod the Great, one of the most notorious rulers in antiquity.
Recent excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have revealed architectural grandeur that far exceeds ordinary family tombs of the period. The elaborate burial complex, dating to the 1st century BC to 1st century AD, features a massive 225-square-meter courtyard, sophisticated ashlar masonry, and decorative elements that clearly indicate royal patronage.
"The site is one of the largest and most refined burial estates ever found from the Herodian era in Israel," said archaeologist Nir-Shimshon Paran, who co-authored the definitive study published in the 2025 volume of 'Atiqot.
"Its structure, scale, and decoration clearly point to elite patrons - likely royalty."
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Monumental Architecture Reveals Elite Origins
The burial estate's most striking feature is its enormous square courtyard, measuring approximately 15 by 15 meters (50x50 ft) among the largest discovered in Israel. Built within a rock-cut depression reaching 6 meters (20 ft) deep, the courtyard required the removal of approximately 1,500 cubic meters (53,000 cubic feet) of limestone and chalk. The scale of this undertaking alone suggests extraordinary wealth and resources.
The complex includes six massive square pillars supporting a barrel-vaulted vestibule, each measuring 1.4 meters (4.6 ft) wide and 1.2 meters (4 ft) thick. These pillars were decorated with carved column bases and likely once supported an ornate frieze featuring classical motifs including rosettes, acanthus leaves, and pomegranates—symbols commonly found in Second Temple period burial sites.
The elaborate 2,000-year-old Second Temple Period family burial cave, known as the Salome Cave, in the Lachish Forest in the Judean lowlands. (Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority)
The entrance to the burial cave itself was sealed by a sophisticated round blocking stone system, complete with a hidden locking mechanism accessible only through a concealed passage beneath the vestibule floor. This advanced security feature is found in only the most elite burial sites, including the famous royal tombs in Jerusalem.
From Jewish Tomb to Christian Shrine
The transformation of this elite burial site into a Christian pilgrimage destination began during the Byzantine period (5th-9th centuries AD). Hundreds of oil lamps, crosses etched into walls, and inscriptions in Greek, Syriac, and Arabic tell the story of centuries of religious devotion. Two Greek inscriptions specifically mention "Saint Salome," dedicating the cave to a woman Christian tradition associated with Jesus's birth.
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Hundreds of oil lamps were discovered at the site. (IAA)
The Christian identification appears to have originated from the discovery of an ossuary - a bone casket - inscribed with the name "Salome" within the cave. Early Byzantine monks likely interpreted this as evidence that the site belonged to a female follower of Jesus, possibly the midwife mentioned in the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James.
However, the Christian association may have been a case of mistaken identity that persisted for over a millennium. The name Salome was extremely common in the Second Temple period, particularly among the Herodian royal family.
The Real Salome: Herod's Powerful Sister
Archaeological evidence strongly suggests the tomb's original occupant was Salome I, sister of Herod the Great and one of the most influential women in the ancient Near East. Born around 65 BC, Salome wielded considerable political power and owned extensive territories, including cities like Ashkelon and lands stretching toward Jericho.
The cave's location in the historical region of Idumea (the ancestral homeland of the Herodian dynasty) provides crucial contextual evidence. Herod's family were originally Edomites who rose to power under Roman patronage, and they maintained strong connections to this southern region throughout their reign.
"She lived in Ashkelon and owned land stretching toward Jericho," noted Paran. "This cave lies exactly along the route between these regions, and the scale of the burial complex suggests it belonged to someone of extraordinary rank."
Supporting this theory, archaeologists have discovered two luxurious Roman villas in the immediate vicinity - one just a kilometer away, the other roughly 3 miles (5 kms) from the tomb. These structures suggest the area hosted a network of wealthy Herodian estates during the 1st century BC and AD.
A Pattern of Royal Burial Practices
The architectural features of Salome's Cave closely parallel other confirmed royal burial sites from the period. The round blocking stone system, monumental courtyard, and elaborate vestibule are all characteristics found in Jerusalem's most prestigious tombs, including the Tombs of the Kings and the confirmed burial site of Herod's family members.
The use of high-quality ashlar masonry, decorative friezes, and hidden security mechanisms all point to royal patronage. Such features were expensive and technically demanding, requiring skilled craftsmen and substantial financial resources, luxuries available only to the highest echelons of society.
Archaeological Evidence and Historical Context
The timing of the tomb's construction aligns perfectly with Salome I's death around 10 AD. Historical records indicate she was granted significant autonomy by her brother Herod, who willed her several cities and extensive agricultural lands. Her strategic position between Ashkelon and Jericho would have made the cave's location an ideal choice for a family burial estate.
Furthermore, the discovery of nearby luxury residences suggests this area served as a Herodian administrative and residential center. The wealth required to construct such elaborate buildings points to royal or near-royal patronage, strengthening the connection to Salome I.
Archaeological finds from the tomb's original phase, though limited due to later reuse and ancient looting, include fragments of decorated ossuaries, chalk vessels typical of wealthy Jewish households, and Herodian-period oil lamps, all consistent with elite burial practices of the time.
Cultural Memory and Religious Evolution
The transformation of Salome's Cave from royal tomb to Christian shrine illustrates how cultural memory can evolve across centuries. The preservation of the name "Salome" in local tradition, even as its original context was forgotten, demonstrates the persistence of historical memory in sacred landscapes.
This phenomenon is not unique to this site. Throughout the Holy Land, ancient burial sites have been reinterpreted and repurposed by successive religious communities, each layer adding new meaning while sometimes obscuring original functions.
Ongoing Research and Conservation
The Israel Antiquities Authority continues conservation efforts at the site, working to preserve both its ancient architectural elements and later religious additions. The cave briefly opened to the public in 2022 but remains closed as researchers develop comprehensive preservation strategies.
Future research may help confirm the site's royal connections through additional archaeological evidence. Scholars hope to conduct more extensive excavations in the surrounding area, potentially uncovering additional structures that could strengthen the link to the Herodian dynasty.
The site now serves as part of the Judean Kings Trail, a 60-mile (96 km) route connecting various archaeological sites in central Israel. Educational programs and interpretive materials help visitors understand the complex history of this remarkable burial complex.
As research continues, Salome's Cave stands as a testament to both the power of ancient elite women and the enduring human need to connect with the sacred past, even when that past proves different from what we initially believed.
Top image: The recently excavated forecourt of the Cave of Salome. Source: Courtesy Emil Aladjem/ IAA
By Gary Manners
References
Paran, N.-S., & Lifshits, V. (2025). "The Cave of Salome: A Second Temple Period Royal Burial Estate in the Judean Shephelah." 'Atiqot, Vol. 117. Available at: https://publications.iaa.org.il/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2254&context=atiqot
Live Science. (2025). "Ancient cave burial of 'Jesus' midwife' may actually hold a princess." https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/ancient-cave-burial-of-jesus-midwife-may-actually-hold-a-princess
Times of Israel. (2025). "Who was buried in Salome's cave: A disciple of Jesus, a midwife or a Jewish queen?" https://www.timesofisrael.com/who-was-buried-in-salomes-cave-a-disciple-of-jesus-a-midwife-or-a-jewish-queen/
