Olivet
a ridge running N. and S. on the E. side of Jerusalem, its summit about half a mile from the city wall, and separated from it by the valley of the Kidron. It is composed of a chalky limestone, the rocks everywhere showing themselves. The olive trees that formerly covered it, are now represented by a few trees. There are three prominent summits on the ridge; of these the southernmost, which is lower than the other two, is now known as the "Mount of Offense," originally the "Mount of Corruption," because Solomon defiled it by idolatrous worship. Over this ridge passes the road to Bethany, the most frequented road to Jericho and the Jordan. The central summit rises 200 feet above Jerusalem, and presents a fine view of the city, and indeed of the whole region.
Perhaps no spot on earth unites so fine a view, with so many memorials of the most solemn and important events. Over this hill Christ often climbed in his journeys to and from the holy city . Gethsemane lay at its foot on the W., and Bethany on its E. slope .