From euronews · Kevin Koehrmann · · 1m 20s
Italian Archaeologists Find Tomb Links Under Jerusalem Church
Italian archaeologists discovered burial ground matching biblical Jesus tomb location beneath Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
In brief
Italian archaeologists discovered burial ground matching biblical Jesus tomb location beneath Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Italian archaeologists found ancient tombs and a garden under Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre that align with New Testament descriptions of Jesus's burial site. Originally…
Italian Archaeologists Find Tomb Links
Italian researchers discovered a burial ground beneath Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre matching biblical accounts of Jesus' burial location.
“Italian researchers have found a burial ground beneath Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, matching biblical accounts of the location of Jesus' burial.”
Church of Holy Sepulchre Background
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands in Jerusalem's Old City and is believed to be built on the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
“The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known to Orthodox Christians as the Church of the Resurrection, stands in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. It is one of the most important shrines in Christianity, as it is believed to have been built on what was thought to be the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Historical Restoration Timeline
The church has been rebuilt multiple times since its 335 AD consecration, including heavy damage in 1009 and extensive alterations after the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099.
“The first church was consecrated in 335 AD. Over the course of its history, the building was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It suffered particularly heavy damage in 1009 under the Fatimid caliph al-Hakim. In the following decades the church was partially restored.”
2022 Excavation Findings
In 2022, archaeologists discovered an abandoned stone quarry, agricultural plots, a garden, and rock-cut tombs beneath the church floor.
“In 2022 a comprehensive restoration of the church floor was initially planned. As work progressed, it turned into an extensive excavation project. Researchers discovered, beneath the church, an abandoned stone quarry, agricultural plots, a garden and rock-cut tombs.”
Garden and Olive Tree Evidence
The garden matches the Gospel of John's description of Jesus' crucifixion site, and olive trees dated to around 33 AD were found near the tombs.
“The garden is of particular significance, as the Gospel of John mentions a garden at the place of Jesus's crucifixion. According to the Bible, the crucifixion took place close to the city limits of Jerusalem. The Letter to the Hebrews notes that Jesus suffered outside the city gate. This, too, is consistent with the archaeologists' findings.”
No Conclusive Proof Yet
The findings do not provide scientific proof that Jesus was buried under the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as there is no inscription or evidence linking the tomb to Joseph of Arimathea.
“The finds do not provide scientific proof that Jesus was buried underneath the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There is no inscription to that effect, nor can it be shown that the tomb chamber was unused or belonged to Joseph of Arimathea, who, according to the Gospels, laid Jesus in his new rock-cut tomb.”
The short version
Italian archaeologists found ancient tombs and a garden under Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre that align with New Testament descriptions of Jesus's burial site.
