Bet She'arim Archaeological Site

World Monuments Watch
Kiryat Tiv'on, Haifa District, Israel

2002 World Monuments Watch

As a refuge for the Sandrehin, the religious-social leadership of the Israelite nation, Bet She’arim became the preeminent Jewish cultural center following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in A.D. 70. It was here that the Mishna, or Jewish oral law, was codified. The town’s vast necropolis, carved out of soft limestone, is the burial site for some of the most important figures in Jewish history. Although only a small portion of the necropolis has been excavated, it has been likened to a book written in stone, documenting two centuries of historical and cultural achievement – within its catacombs, mausoleums, and tombs are elaborate symbols and figures, as well as an impressive quantity of incised and painted Hebrew, Aramaic, Tadmoric, and Greek inscriptions. Erosion caused by water, parasitic vegetation, and damage wrought by visitors have led to the total destruction of some architectural features and inscriptions. The most damaged areas of the necropolis have been closed to the public for several years; those still open to tourists lack regular maintenance. Training of conservators and a comprehensive management plan must be established before the site can be safely opened to future generations.

Last updated: June 2018.

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