2,000-Year-Old Garden Found Beneath Church May Be Site of Jesus's Tomb.

Excavations under the Church of the Holy Sepulchre uncovered remains of olive trees and grapevines about 2,000 years old, which researchers say indicate the area was once cultivated and echo a Gospel description of a garden near the tomb. The dig, led by La Sapienza University since 2022, also recovered coins and pottery and officials say full analysis will take years.

Archaeologists working beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre uncovered botanical remains that date to roughly 2,000 years ago and point to past cultivation in the area. The work began after the church's 19th-century floor was slated for renovation and excavations have been led by Francesca Romana Stasolla of La Sapienza University since 2022. Beneath the floor the team found an older quarry that dates to the Iron Age and was used later as a burial area with several rock-hewn tombs. Researchers report that the archaeobotanical finds include olive trees and grapevines and that these match a Gospel description of a green space between the crucifixion site and a tomb. Key findings: - Excavations took place under the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as part of renovation work begun after a 2019 agreement to replace the 19th-century floor. - The dig, directed by Francesca Romana Stasolla of La Sapienza University, has been active since 2022 and includes archaeobotanists and other specialists. - Botanical remains of olive trees and grapevines were identified and are dated to about 2,000 years ago, indicating past cultivation. - Beneath the modern floor excavators found an Iron Age quarry that later served as a burial site with rock-cut tombs. - The team also recovered coins and pottery dated roughly to the 4th century, and researchers say detailed analysis of all finds will require additional study. Summary: The botanical and archaeological evidence reported by the excavation team provides material context that aligns with longstanding traditions about a garden near the burial place associated with Jesus, and it contributes to the recorded history of worship at the site. Researchers say comprehensive analysis of artifacts and samples will take years and further study is ongoing.