Samuel was one of the more striking personalities of the Bible, ruling the Jewish people as a prophet during the time of the Judges and serving as the kingmaker of both King Saul and Saul’s successor, King David. According to a biblical tale, Samuel’s mother, Hannah, was bereft of children for many years, and gave birth to her only son only after she pledged to enlist him in the service of God at the Tabernacle in Shiloh.
Known as Nebi Samuel, the site traditionally recognized as Samuel’s grave is situated atop a steep hill to the north of the Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramot. The site contains an 18th-century mosque, built on the remains of a Crusader-era fortress; the tomb and a small synagogue are located in an underground chamber underneath the mosque. The Bible's Book of Samuel states that the prophet was buried in his hometown of Rama, to the east of the site. But the 12th-century Jewish traveler, Benjamin MiTudela, tells us that the Crusaders have re-entered Samuel’s remains at the top of the hill overlooking Jerusalem.
Due to its elevation and strategic importance, the Tomb of Samuel has played host to several battles in the modern era. Although excavations have not unearthed remains from Samuel’s time, both Jewish and Muslim prayers are held regularly at the site, with many religious Jews visiting on the anniversary of Samuel’s death, the 28th of Iyar, in the springtime.
