Ancient Garden Discovered Beneath Holy Sepulchre
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Ancient Garden Discovered Beneath Holy Sepulchre
- Archaeologists excavating beneath Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre have uncovered evidence of an ancient garden, including traces of 2,000-year-old olive trees and grapevines.
- Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla of Sapienza University of Rome has been leading the excavations, which began in 2022 as part of a major renovation project.
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Recent archaeological excavations beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem have unearthed evidence of an ancient garden, offering new insights into the historical setting of Jesus’s burial site. The discovery, which includes remnants of olive trees and grapevines dating back approximately 2,000 years, aligns with descriptions found in the Gospel of John, which mentions a garden near the place of crucifixion and burial.
Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla from Sapienza University of Rome has been directing these excavations since they began in 2022. This work is part of a significant renovation project within the church, which required approval from the three primary religious communities managing the site and a license from the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Researchers conducted pollen analysis and botanical studies on soil samples extracted from beneath the church floor to identify the presence of these ancient plants. The findings suggest that the area was once cultivated land before it became a burial site. Archaeological layers beneath the church also reveal a complex history, including remnants of a quarry from the Iron Age, which was later repurposed for agricultural use.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is traditionally believed to encompass both the site of Jesus’s crucifixion, known as Golgotha or Calvary, and his nearby tomb. While these discoveries do not definitively confirm the exact location of Jesus’s tomb, they provide strong corroborating evidence for the biblical account of a garden in the vicinity. The site has a long history, with the first church structure built by Roman Emperor Constantine around 325/326 AD. The current structure of the church was completed in the 12th century and has undergone multiple reconstructions over time.