symbol is probably in reference to the temple. Given the fact that aristocratic and high priestly families were buried in the greater Talpiot area (among them possibly the family of Caiaphas, former high priest) and the fact that every single name in the East Talpiot Tomb is Hasmonean, it is probable that this tomb belonged to a wealthy, aristocratic Jerusalem family with ties to the Jerusalem temple. Indeed, some of the members of the family buried in the East Talpiot Tomb may have been ruling priests.