A rolling stone is a method of blocking burial caves and other narrow^[1][2][3][4]

The purpose of the stone is to prevent the intrusion of unwanted animals and visitors into the burial system.^[2][1]

In the Land of Israel, in burial tombs from the First Temple period, square rolled stones are common, adapted as a "stopper" for the opening of the rock-hewn tomb system. Even when the burial stone is not present in the area, it can be recognized that the cave was sealed with a stone by the chippings of the edge of the cave opening. Caves of this type can be seen on the slopes of Kfar Hashiloach, in front of the City of David.^[2][3]

Second Temple period burial caves have round burial stones that move on a rail and seal the opening. The stones were large and heavy, so that in order to open or seel the cave, it needed the joint effort of several people. This purpose was to make it difficult for grave robbers and vagabonds from aentering the caves.^[3] Graves with such rolling stones can be seen in the Madras ruins, in a preserved burial cave on the "Joara road" (6954), near its intersection with road 66 and in the Tombs of the Kings in Jerusalem.^[2][1][3]

Apart from a physical barrier, another purpose of the burial stone is to prevent the exit of impurity.^[5][3] The Mishnah, Tractate Aholot, Chapter 15, Mishniyot 8-9 teaches that several objects can be used a barrier for burial in order to prevent impurity from exiting the cave. Stone does not receive impurity, thus it is its great advantage on this matter^[6]

Evidence of the use of blocking stones for security purposes can be found during the Roman period in the Land of Israel. During the Bar Kochba revolt, blocking stones were used to seal the rebels' hiding systems.

In many excavation sites in Israel, especially in sites in the Hebron Hills from the Byzantine period in the Land of Israel, large blocking stones and rails for rolling them were discovered at the entrances of public buildings (such as synagogues).^[7][8][9] The courtyard of the building was surrounded by a strong wall and had a single and relatively narrow opening, a rail was installed at the threshold, on the side opening holes were designed in the wall and in them the rolling stone was placed.^[7] This way, it was possible to close the place safely while it was not in use, enabling to store valuables inside. It took a joint effort to roll the stone aside, which prevented from a single intruder to break into the place. This also made it possible to create a safe gathering place for the population of the nearby settlement, the population could escape to the public house and shut themselves inside to fortify themselves against enemies.^[9]