First Temple period This area, on the eastern foothills of the City of David, was a residential quarter of the royal officials serving in the first temple administration. On the bottom of the wall is a first temple dwelling, built in the common style of that period, known as the Israelite "four-room" house.
The more modern mosaics above the altar illustrate the crucifixion, the holy women at the foot of the cross, and the sacrifice of Isaac.
The Greek Orthodox crucifixion altar places the exact site of the crucifixion. A silver disk with a central hole, underneath the altar, marks the spot on the rock where the cross stood. Visitors kneel and kiss the spot, as seen here. The silver icons of Virgin Mary and St John are on either side of Jesus.
