Ancient garden found beneath Jesus' burial site backs biblical accounts

In Jerusalem, archaeologists have made significant discoveries beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a site revered in Christianity as the location of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and burial. During excavations, which began as part of a major restoration project in 2022, the researchers found organic remains, including olive trees and grapevines, that are approximately 2,000 years old. These findings are thought to correlate with descriptions in the Gospel of John, which mentions a garden where Jesus was buried. This excavation is the first major restoration effort since the 19th century and drew the involvement of various Christian denominations, requiring approval from the Roman Catholic, Armenian, and Greek Orthodox custodians as well as an Israel Antiquities Authority license. The excavation team has unearthed layers of artefacts, including pottery and oil lamps, dating back to periods from the Iron Age through the Roman era, revealing a historical continuum of the site's use as a quarry, agricultural land, and burial ground. The presence of these ancient artefacts attests to the area's long-standing significance as a pilgrimage location, with renovations undertaken to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors, particularly during Easter celebrations. Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla, leading the excavation, highlighted that the findings not only support biblical narratives but also reflect urban development in Jerusalem and its transformation into a sacred site for Christians. The archaeological team anticipates further surprises from their ongoing work, which aims to enhance understanding of this historically rich area of the city.