File:Hellenistic tomb paintings at Sidonian Burial Caves (2).jpg

English: Hellenistic tomb paintings at Sidonian Burial Caves: This tomb complex is cut into the chalk hills of the Judean Shephelah. The necropolis and it's paintings date to the 3rd century BCE and illustrates the presence of highly hellenized culture in the century following Alexander's conquest of the region. Interestingly, this tomb also illustrates the kokkhim style of burial which became standard for Jewish tombs in the Maccabean and early Roman periods. Bodies were placed in the niches radiating out from the central chamber. This niche, at the far end of the central wing of the tomb, seems to have been reserved for an honored family member, perhaps the patriarch who had the complex built. Here the paintings depict grave goods left with the deceased, while the niche is flanked by burning lamps out of which rise eagles (or phoenixes?).