In the heart of Jerusalem, a team of archaeologists is unearthing new clues that may solidify one of Christianity’s most sacred traditions — that Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected on the grounds now occupied by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

While this has long been a belief held by many theologians and historians, new findings suggest that the historical evidence may now be catching up with centuries of faith.

Led by archaeologist Francesca Romana Stasolla of Sapienza University of Rome, researchers have uncovered ancient botanical remains that could offer tangible support for the biblical account of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

According to Stasolla, plant remnants found on-site appear to match those referenced in the Gospel of John — specifically in John 19:41, which states, “Now in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There they laid Jesus.”

“The Gospel mentions a green area between the Calvary and the tomb, and we identified these cultivated fields,” Stasolla told The Times of Israel.

The discovery of what appears to be evidence of an ancient garden — dating to approximately 33 A.D., the time traditionally associated with Jesus’ death — gives new weight to the biblical narrative.

But the findings don’t end with plant life. Excavations have also revealed tombs made of marble within the church’s compound, further adding historical depth to the site’s religious significance.

These tombs, researchers believe, may be tied to Joseph of Arimathea — a key figure in the Gospel accounts who, according to Christian tradition, provided the tomb in which Jesus was laid to rest.

Stasolla emphasized the importance of these tombs, both in their construction and in their symbolic meaning. “We are conducting geological analysis to verify the origin of the marble, and we are also testing the mortar,” she explained.

“Both tests can give us important information.” The hope is that further analysis will provide more precise dating and potentially even links to ancient trade routes or local quarrying practices, giving researchers deeper insight into the socioeconomic context of the era.

While the excavation is progressing steadily, the project has had to pause temporarily in deference to the Holy Week and Easter celebrations.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most visited religious sites in the world, remains a hub of pilgrimage and worship — meaning the site must remain accessible to visitors, even amid ongoing research.

“We only have a part of the northern aisle left to excavate,” Stasolla noted, pointing out that the work will resume at the end of April after the holy days conclude.

Despite the pause, the team remains energized by what they’ve already uncovered and what still might lie hidden beneath centuries of soil and stone.

Stasolla believes that the value of their discoveries extends beyond archaeology or even biblical validation. To her, the work tells a broader story — one about humanity, faith, and the power of tradition.

“The real treasure we are revealing is the history of the people who made this site what it is by expressing their faith here,” she said.

“Whether someone believes or not in the historicity of the Holy Sepulchre, the fact that generations of people did is objective. The history of this place is the history of Jerusalem, and at least from a certain moment, it is the history of the worship of Jesus Christ.”

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has long been a focal point for Christian pilgrimage.

Built in the fourth century under the orders of Emperor Constantine, the church has weathered centuries of conflict, destruction, and restoration.

It sits atop what is believed to be both Golgotha, the hill where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb from which He rose.

While some scholars over the years have proposed alternate locations for these events — such as the Garden Tomb located just outside the Old City walls — the growing body of archaeological evidence is tilting the scale in favor of the traditional site.

In the coming months, as Stasolla and her team complete their excavation and continue their analysis, the world may get even closer to verifying what countless believers have held in their hearts for generations: that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not only a place of worship but also a tangible link to one of the most profound moments in human history.

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