Famously or rather the other way, this site in Hinnom Valley is where according to traditions, Judas had hanged himself out of remorse (Matthew 27:3–9; Acts 1:18–19). According to Matthew, Akeldama was also known as "Potter’s Field" and was used for the burial of strangers. The name Potter’s Field has become a common term for a burial ground for paupers, unknown persons and criminals. Later traditions brought more curious speculations.The most interesting one could be its association with the burial place of the family of Annas, who played a major role in the crucifixion of Christ. These ancient rocks were also considered as shrines and temples of Moloch; where children were sacrificed (Leveticus 18:21). So much evil associated with the site and no doubt why the word for "hell" is derived from Hinnom Valley.
Akeldama/Aceldama/Hekeldama/Hakeldama are corruption of the Hebrew words "aker dam", which literally means "Field of Blood". This area was identified as Akeldama as early as the 3rd and 4th centuries. We have written records from 335 AD (Eusebius the Historian) identifying the site as Akeldama. During the Byzantine period (4th to 7th centuries), Christian monks and hermits lived here. In 1143, Crusaders built here a Church for Virgin Mary. The Greek Orthodox Monastery visible today was built over this church site in 1874.The monastery is dedicated to St: Onuphrius-an Egyptian monk (4-5 cent AD) who had a long beard touching the ground. Today, the area contains about 80 burial caves, from the Herodian period (37 B.C.–70 A.D.).
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