Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, uncovering traces of an ancient garden that aligns with the biblical account in the Gospel of John regarding the burial site of Jesus.
As restoration and excavation efforts progress, the team has found remnants of olive trees and grapevines believed to date back around 2,000 years, consistent with the passage from John 19:41-42, which states: "In the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because the tomb was nearby, the Jews put Jesus there because of their festive preparations."
According to Francesca Romana Stasolla, a professor at the Sapienza University of Rome and the head of the excavation team, this area was part of the city during Emperor Hadrian's rule in the 2nd century, following the construction of Aelia Capitolina by the Romans. However, during Jesus’ time, the area was outside the city limits.
Aelia Capitolina itself was established in 70 AD on the site of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed due to a Jewish revolt. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is traditionally believed to stand over the site of Golgotha (the hill of skulls) where Jesus was crucified and above the tomb marked by the Edicule, a small chapel built in its current form in 1810.
The restoration project began in 2019 after a lengthy debate among the three major religious communities responsible for the church: the Orthodox Patriarchate, the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Patriarchate. This major renovation aims to preserve the 19th-century floor and conduct archaeological excavations to delve deeper into the temple's past.
This excavation is being carried out in a unique mosaic-like manner, a process that allows for sensitivity to the site and ensures visitor access. Researchers from La Sapienza University are working in sections, documenting each find, and then sending the data to Rome for further analysis.
Stasolla noted that the layers uncovered are akin to the pages of a book, shedding light on the history of Jerusalem from the Iron Age (1200-586 BC). The temple itself was reportedly built on a former quarry, which also served as a burial ground during Jesus' era, as is seen in other regions of Jerusalem.
The excavation revealed various artifacts, including pottery and oil lamps from the Iron Age, indicating that this area was not only significant religiously but also for agricultural use later on, illustrated by the construction of low stone walls and the usage of soil to fill in spaces between them.
Highlighting the botanical discoveries, which are of great interest, Stasolla mentioned that they have identified cultivated land that matches the biblical description of a green area extending from Golgotha to the tomb.
Over time, as quarrying decreased, tombs were constructed at varying levels, showcasing the continuous adaptation of this historic site. Stasolla explained that Emperor Constantine selected the location for his revered tomb, leading to the isolation of the rotunda that stands today, built to separate it from other burials.
Significantly, beneath the current Edicule, archaeologists uncovered a circular base, likely part of the first marble monument that marked Jesus’ tomb. This is notable because early depictions of the Edicule from the 5th and 6th centuries suggest it had a circular structure, implying this base is linked to Constantine's original design.
Scientific documentation of approximately 100,000 pottery fragments and artifacts will require years to accurately process, although the excavation work may conclude in the coming months. According to Stasolla, the true treasure is the story of the people who practiced their faith here and contributed to the creation of this significant site.
The acknowledgment of the Holy Sepulchre's historical relevance transcends personal belief; it's a fact that many generations have revered this place. As such, the story of this site contributes not only to the narrative of Jerusalem but also to the larger history of the worship of Jesus Christ.
