Archaeologists excavating beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem have uncovered compelling evidence that supports a key detail from the New Testament: the presence of a garden near the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial. The discovery offers strong validation of John 19:41, which reads:
“Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.”
Led by Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla from Sapienza University of Rome, the excavation team unearthed botanical remains—olive trees and grapevines—dating back roughly 2,000 years. These remains, identified through archaeobotanical analysis of soil samples taken from beneath the church’s stone floor, provide rare physical evidence of cultivated land at the site.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Credit: Gerd Eichmann
“The archaeobotanical findings have been especially interesting for us, in light of what is mentioned in the Gospel of John,” Stasolla told the Times of Israel. “The Gospel mentions a green area between Calvary and the tomb, and we identified these cultivated fields.”
A Rare Glimpse Into First-Century Jerusalem
The alleged tomb of Jesus, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Credit: adriatikus
The excavation, which began in 2022, is the most extensive archaeological exploration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in nearly two centuries. It forms part of a larger restoration project authorized by the Orthodox Patriarchate, the Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Patriarchate, with oversight from the Israel Antiquities Authority.
According to Stasolla, the site where the church stands today evolved over time: once a quarry, it became cultivated land, and by the 1st century CE, was used as a burial ground.
In addition to botanical evidence, archaeologists uncovered pottery shards, oil lamps, fragments of glass, and stone garden walls, some of which date as far back as the Iron Age. These findings point to continuous human activity and pilgrimage in the area across multiple historical periods.
Technology Meets Theology
The tomb of Jesus Christ with the rotunda is seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Credit: Jlascar
While early evidence suggests the garden dates to the early Roman period, radiocarbon dating is still in progress to confirm the exact age of the remains. The excavation has temporarily paused to accommodate the arrival of Christian pilgrims during Holy Week and Easter, but will resume shortly after the celebrations. The team is also using advanced techniques like 3D mapping and ground-penetrating radar to digitally reconstruct the ancient landscape beneath the church.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre: A Sacred Landmark
Built in 335 CE by Roman Emperor Constantine I, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is traditionally believed to be the site of both Golgotha—where Jesus was crucified—and the tomb where he was laid to rest. Historical records from Constantine’s era mention the discovery of an ancient tomb during construction, which many identified as Jesus’ burial place.
Adding another layer of mystery, archaeologists recently found a circular marble base beneath the Edicule—the small shrine that houses the tomb—which is currently being studied to determine its origin and significance.
While theological debates continue regarding the exact location of Jesus’ burial, this latest archaeological discovery marks a significant step forward in confirming the physical setting described in the Gospels.
