Mount of Olives
Har HaZeitim (הר הזיתים) in Hebrew, Jabal az-Zaytun (جبل الزيتون) in Arabic
Also known as: Mount Olivet
Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam | Place Type: Mountain | Region: Middle East
Overview
The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge east of Jerusalem's Old City, rising about 60 meters (200 feet) above the Temple Mount. It is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, serving as an ancient Jewish burial ground, the site of key events in Jesus's life, and a location of significance in Islamic eschatology.
Present
The Jewish cemetery remains an active burial site, though many graves were desecrated during Jordanian control (1948–1967). Restoration and maintenance continue.
Multiple churches and religious sites on the mountain are administered by various Christian denominations. The Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations are Franciscan. The Church of Mary Magdalene belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Chapel of the Ascension is administered by the Islamic Waqf but open to Christians. Dominus Flevit is Franciscan, and the Church of the Pater Noster is maintained by the Carmelite Sisters.
The mountain provides the most famous panoramic view of Jerusalem's Old City and is a popular destination for tour groups and pilgrims.
Religious Significance
Judaism
The Mount of Olives holds deep significance in Jewish tradition. It is home to the oldest and most important Jewish cemetery in the world, with burials dating back 3,000 years. Over 150,000 graves cover the hillside.
The prophet Zechariah (14:4) states that the Messiah will stand on the Mount of Olives when arriving in Jerusalem. For this reason, being buried here is considered a great honor, and the cemetery contains the graves of many notable Jewish figures throughout history.
Christianity
During Jesus's time (1st century CE), the mountain was covered with olive groves - hence its name. Jesus frequently crossed this mountain when traveling between Jerusalem and Bethany. The mount is the setting for many key events in the life of Jesus, including his entry into Jerusalem, the Agony in the Garden at Gethsemane, and his Ascension into heaven. Many Christians believe Jesus will return to this site.
Islam
Muslims believe this is one of the places where the resurrection will occur on the Day of Judgment. It is also home to the Maqam (shrine) of Rabia al-Adawiyya, a highly revered 8th-century female Sufi saint.
History & Structure
The Mount of Olives features prominently in the final week of Jesus's life. The Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus is said to have prayed the night before his crucifixion while his disciples slept. The Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony) was built over the rock where Jesus is believed to have prayed before his arrest. The Chapel of the Ascension marks the traditional site where Jesus is said to have ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. Dominus Flevit Church, built in the shape of a teardrop, commemorates the site where Jesus is said to have wept over the future destruction of Jerusalem. The Church of the Pater Noster marks where Jesus is said to have taught the Lord's Prayer to his disciples. Other notable sites include the Tomb of the Prophets, a burial cave traditionally associated with the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi; Absalom's Pillar, a 1st century BCE rock-cut monument; and the Tomb of Zechariah, an ancient monument carved from rock.
Resources
- Wikipedia: Mount of Olives