In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have uncovered traces of an ancient garden beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a finding that aligns with a description in the Gospel of John. This remarkable excavation, detailed by The Times of Israel, reveals a biblical landscape that has been hidden beneath the church’s floor for centuries, offering new insights into the site’s rich historical and religious significance. The discovery has captivated both historians and believers, shedding light on the area believed to have been the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.
Traces of Olive Trees and Grapevines Found
The team of archaeologists, led by Prof. Francesca Romana Stasolla of Sapienza University of Rome, has found evidence of olive trees and grapevines beneath the church’s floor, through archaeobotanical and pollen analysis. These findings support the Gospel of John’s description of the area, which reads, “Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid” (John 19:19-20). The identification of these plants suggests that the area was used for agriculture before the construction of the church.
These discoveries give a tangible connection to the biblical account of the garden tomb, confirming the historical accuracy of the Gospel’s depiction of the landscape at the time of Jesus. The evidence gathered so far places the site in the pre-Christian era, although radiocarbon testing has yet to be performed to pinpoint the exact dating of the plants.
Historical Context and Roman Influence
The site’s historical layers offer a complex view of the area’s evolution over time. According to Prof. Stasolla, the area was incorporated into the Roman city of Aelia Capitolina, constructed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE. “We know that the area was already part of the city at the time of Emperor Hadrian when the Romans built Aelia Capitolina,” she explained. “However, at the time of Jesus, the area was not part of the city yet.” This distinction is crucial, as it highlights the transition of the site from an agricultural space to one integrated into the Roman city.
The excavations also revealed several Iron Age artifacts, including pottery and lamps, which further confirm that the area was in use long before the rise of Christianity. These finds provide a glimpse into the daily life of Jerusalem during earlier periods, offering a backdrop to the later Christian significance of the site.
Excavation and Restoration Efforts
The recent excavation is part of an extensive renovation project to restore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which has undergone numerous cycles of destruction and rebuilding over the centuries. The renovation is particularly significant as it marks the first major restoration since a fire in 1808. In a rare interview with The Times of Israel, Prof. Stasolla shared insights into the ongoing work, emphasizing the collaboration between the religious communities that manage the church, including the Orthodox Patriarchate, the Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Patriarchate.
“With the renovation works, the religious communities decided to also allow archaeological excavations under the floor,” Stasolla explained. This decision has opened the door for new archaeological insights, adding layers of history to an already monumental religious site. As excavation continues, Stasolla and her team have been exploring different areas of the church, working with great care to preserve both the archaeological integrity of the site and the ongoing religious activities that take place there.
Technological Innovations and Future Discoveries
Although the excavations are still ongoing, new technologies are allowing the team to piece together the historical puzzle of the church. “While we have not been able to see the entire church excavated in one glance, new technologies are allowing us to reconstruct the bigger picture in our labs,” said Stasolla. “If we were talking about a puzzle, we could say we are only excavating one piece at a time, but eventually, we will have a complete multimedia reconstruction of the full picture.”
These advancements in archaeological technology allow the team to reconstruct the history of the site from its ancient Iron Age origins through to the present day, providing a comprehensive view of the church’s significance in both religious and historical contexts.