In biblical times, the beautiful geography of Jerusalem consisted of forests of almond, olive, and pine trees. These forests were supported by by various red and brown mediterranean soil. Looking West from Jerusalem, the Dead sea lies and looked East is the Great Sea, or commonly known now as the Mediterranean Sea. The position of Jerusalem contributes to its Mediterranean climate giving the city sunny, hot summers and mild, wet winters. Jerusalem's land is considerably hilly and bordered by mountains, but lies next to a desert on the other side. Jerusalem is positioned on a watershed between the hills of Judea and the Judean desert including the ridge of Mount Olives adjacent to Jerusalem which is used as a burial place of Jerusalem's most important citizens in the period of biblical kings. Not only does Jerusalem's geography contribute to the resources the people obtained, with Mount Olives as an example, some also contributed to the spiritual and political beliefs of the early people living in Jerusalem.