Mount of Olives

The Mount of Olives is a north-south ridge overlooking Jerusalem from the east. The Kidron Valley separates it from the Temple Mount and the ancient city.

Its position provides one of the most commanding views of Jerusalem and explains its repeated role in movements approaching or departing the city from the east.

The slopes and summit contain extensive ancient burial grounds. Jewish burial on the mountain developed over many centuries, reflecting its proximity to Jerusalem and later religious traditions concerning resurrection and the coming of the Messiah.

Christian churches and memorial sites from Byzantine and later periods preserve traditions concerning Jesus' teaching, prayer, and ascension.

The Mount of Olives is securely identified with the ridge immediately east of Jerusalem's Old City across the Kidron Valley.

The mountain itself is certain, but many individual locations associated with particular Gospel events depend upon ancient tradition rather than archaeological proof.

Gethsemane, Bethphage, the traditional ascension site, and locations associated with Jesus' teaching should therefore be distinguished according to the strength of evidence for each specific identification.