Israeli archaeologists are trying to understand the origin of the pyramid at Khirbet Midras near Jerusalem, in order to answer this question, the structure will be completely excavated this summer, writes the Times of Israel.
It is believed that the pyramid at Khirbet Midras dates back to the era of the Second Temple (1st century BC), when such structures served as burial chambers - like the Egyptian ones. At the moment, only its top is available for research. Scientists do not know how many meters deep it goes.
The pyramid itself is significantly different in design from the Egyptian "brothers". Israeli archaeologist Orit Barkat hopes that a team of scientists under her leadership will uncover some remains during excavations that will indicate the exact date of the monument's construction.
“It was most likely a Jewish burial,” Barkat said.
For Jews in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, according to the scientist, it was typical to build monuments over burial caves. The monuments themselves were called "nefesh". Their appearance is attributed to the Maccabean period (160s BC).