Archaeologists from Sapienza University of Rome have made groundbreaking discoveries about the origins of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity's most sacred sites. The findings shed light on the site's transformation over centuries, from a quarry to its role as the believed location of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, constructed in the 4th century, serves as the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and is revered by millions of Christians worldwide. According to tradition, it marks the site of pivotal events in the life of Jesus Christ.
Ancient Quarry and Pagan Temple Preceded the Church
Excavations revealed that the site was originally an ancient quarry used during the Iron Age, identified by deep saw cuts in the rocky terrain and block stone extraction. Archaeologists observed quarrying trends running from northeast to southwest, with some areas reaching depths of over five metres. After its abandonment, the quarry was repurposed for agricultural activities, including the cultivation of olives and grapes.
The site underwent significant transformation following the Roman siege of Jerusalem in AD 70 during the First Jewish–Roman War. Emperor Hadrian established the Roman colony of Aelia Capitolina and built a pagan temple over the abandoned quarry. This temple remained in use until the early 4th century, when Emperor Constantine the Great demolished it to construct the Christian church.
Excavations Uncover Links to Roman and Early Christian History
Macarius I, the Bishop of Jerusalem, obtained Constantine's permission to excavate the site, unearthing a rock-cut tomb that was identified as the burial site of Jesus. New research has uncovered additional evidence of Roman-era activity, including remains of a cultic structure from Hadrian's reign and extensive levelling of the rocky terrain to build monumental structures.
The 4th-century church was designed as a complex sanctuary with spaces for worship, veneration, and pilgrimage. Archaeologists noted its architectural features catered to large numbers of visitors, with porticoes for shelter and defined routes for pilgrims to circulate around key points of veneration.
Ongoing Work and Future Exploration
Current excavations are focused on the church's north aisle to further study the Roman cult structure and its implications. Researchers are also documenting the basilica and its annexes while analyzing materials to deepen understanding of the site’s historical evolution and its significance in the city’s development.
This collaboration between archaeologists and the custodians of the church—representatives of the Greek Orthodox, Latin Catholic, and Armenian communities—continues to uncover layers of history beneath one of Christianity's most venerated landmarks.
(Source: Heritage Daily)