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A typical cave tomb from Second Temple period Jerusalem is shown in this floor plan. A cramped entranceway leads into the single, square chamber. Here, the floor has been lowered to create a standing pit, allowing mourners and workers to stand erect in the low-ceilinged cave.

Surrounding the pit, the part of the floor left intact served as burial benches for bodies. Bodies (and ossuaries) were also stored in the four finger-like loculi carved into the soft limestone walls of the tomb.

Based on an inscription on an ossuary found inside, this tomb has been identified as belonging to the family of Caiaphas, the high priest who presided at the trial of Jesus. Jesus’ own tomb was no doubt much simpler, more like that shown in the plan for the tomb at Giloh, above.