According to archaeologists the site was an important Jewish burial ground as well as a Christian pilgrimage site
Excavations at burial cave of Salome – which, according to one of the so-called Apocrypha Gospelswas the “midwife” who brought the newborn Jesus into the world – revealed that the site was an important Jewish tomb as well as a Christian pilgrimage site, archaeologists say.
According to the First Gospel of James, Salome questioned the Virgin Mary’s virginity and when she tried to examine it, her hand became paralyzed. Repenting later, she took the Divine Infant in her arms with her other hand and was then healed.
The work in the cave revealed a courtyard of about 350 sq.m. with stone slabs and mosaics indicating a family tomb for prominent Jews, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Decorated lamps and inscriptions testifying to the presence of Christian pilgrims were also found.
“The conversion of the cave into a Christian chapel is surprising,” reports the IAA. “Judging by the crosses and dozens of frescoes from the Byzantine and early Islamic periods, the chapel was dedicated to Salome.”
The site, about 35 kilometers southwest of Bethlehem, is known as Salome’s Cave and will soon be open to visitors.
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