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Archaeological Find in Jerusalem May Corroborate Biblical Account of Jesus’ Burial
A recent archaeological discovery at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the site traditionally believed to be Jesus’ burial place, may offer compelling new evidence supporting the Biblical narrative. Excavations have revealed remnants of an ancient garden beneath the church’s foundations, a finding that researchers suggest aligns with the account in the Gospel of John.
Discovery of Ancient Garden Remains
Researchers conducting excavations at the revered Church of the Holy Sepulchre have unearthed traces of a historical garden situated beneath the existing structure. This significant finding, according to the archaeological team, potentially bolsters the scriptural depiction of the area surrounding Jesus’ tomb as described in the New Testament.
The Gospel of John (19:41) states: ‘Now in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. So they laid Jesus there.’
Dating to the Time of Jesus
A team of experts from Sapienza University of Rome meticulously analyzed plant debris recovered from the site. Their analysis dated the botanical remains to the pre-Christian era, specifically around the time period of Jesus’ crucifixion and interment, which historians generally place around 33 AD.
Dr. Francesca Romana Stasolla, the lead archaeologist, in an interview with The Times of Israel, explained, ‘The Gospel references a verdant area situated between Calvary and the tomb, and our investigation has identified these cultivated lands.’
Implications for the Location of Jesus’ Tomb
This discovery adds further weight to the ongoing scholarly discussion concerning the precise location of Jesus’ burial site. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is supported by numerous scholars as the authentic location, pointing to the presence of rock-hewn tombs dating back to the first century.
Conversely, some scholars propose the Garden Tomb, another ancient burial ground in Jerusalem, as a more accurate match to the biblical descriptions. Both sites remain significant to understanding the historical context of Jesus’ burial.
Excavation Details and Findings
Excavations commenced in 2022 during restoration work at the Church. Recent findings have revealed ‘evidence indicating the presence of olive trees and grapevines dating back approximately 2,000 years.’ This evidence strengthens the garden theory. However, radiocarbon dating, essential for precisely determining the age of organic materials by measuring carbon-14 isotope decay, is still pending completion. Carbon-14 analysis is crucial for confirming the age of the plant remains, offering a more definitive timeline.
Historical Significance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a major pilgrimage destination, drawing approximately four million visitors annually. Constructed in 335 AD by Roman Emperor Constantine I on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Venus, the church’s history is deeply intertwined with the early Christian era. During its construction, a tomb was unearthed, believed to be that of Jesus, who had died roughly three centuries prior.
Uncovering Layers of Ancient Jerusalem
Dr. Stasolla notes that exploring the concealed layers beneath the church floor has provided valuable new insights into the historical layers of ancient Jerusalem. “The church is situated on a former quarry, which is not unexpected as a significant portion of Jerusalem’s Old City rests upon a quarry,” she stated in The Times of Israel interview.
“The quarry was operational as early as the Iron Age. During our excavation, we unearthed pottery fragments, lamps, and other everyday artifacts dating back to that period.”
Following the quarry’s closure, the area was repurposed into agricultural land. “Low stone walls were erected, and the spaces between them were filled with soil,” Dr. Stasolla explained.
“The archaeobotanical discoveries are particularly compelling, considering the details provided in the Gospel of John, whose account is believed to be written or compiled by an individual familiar with Jerusalem during that era.”
Quarry and Cemetery Repurposing
In addition to its agricultural use, the ancient quarry was also transformed into a cemetery with tombs carved into the rock. Dr. Stasolla suggests that Emperor Constantine may have been aware of the specific tomb believed to be Jesus’, leading him to build the church directly above it, possibly to isolate it from other surrounding burials.
Furthermore, the team discovered a circular marble base beneath the shrine that encloses what is considered to be Jesus’ tomb. Additional tests will be conducted to ascertain the age and origin of this marble structure.
Separate Discovery: Medieval Altar
‘Sensational’ Altar Find
In a separate but related development in July 2024, archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) announced what they termed a ‘sensational’ discovery also within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: a medieval altar that had been lost after a fire in the 1800s.
Description of the Altar
The rediscovered stone slab, measuring eight feet long and five feet wide, features ribbon ornamentation, a Roman artistic practice common during the Medieval period. Distinct markings led researchers to conclude it was the altar consecrated in 1149. The slab was located inside the church, largely concealed because the front-facing portion was covered in tourist graffiti, likely explaining why it remained unnoticed for centuries.
Cosmatesque Artistry and Papal Connection
However, the unique decorations on the hidden side of the altar alerted researchers to its ‘Cosmatesque’ style. This specialized marble decoration technique was exclusively practiced by master craftsmen in papal Rome, a skill passed down through generations. A hallmark of this technique was the ability to decorate extensive surfaces using minimal amounts of precious marble.
During medieval Rome, marble was primarily salvaged from ancient structures. Cosmatesque artisans were thus adept at optimizing available marble. Their method involved meticulously assembling small marble pieces, affixing them to create intricate geometric designs and striking ornamentation.
Cosmatesque artworks were highly valued by the papacy. Very few examples have been found outside of Rome; only one other known instance exists outside Italy, located in Westminster Abbey.
“The Cosmatesque altar now rediscovered in Jerusalem undoubtedly received papal blessing,” researchers stated. “By dispatching a Cosmatesque master to the Kingdom of Jerusalem to create the new high altar in Christianity’s most sacred church, the Pontiff reinforced Christianity’s claim to the city.”