March 26, 2025

Archaeologists excavating beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City have uncovered evidence of an ancient garden. 

The findings, revealed through a landmark excavation conducted as part of renovations in the church, showed evidence of the presence of olive trees and grapevines from around 2,000 years ago. This evidence aligns with the Gospel of John’s description of the site where Jesus was crucified and buried. 

“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.” (John 19:41)

During the excavations, the team dug beneath the basilica’s floor, uncovering layers dating back to the Iron Age, including pottery, oil lamps and burial sites. The pre-Christian era garden evidence, found in soil samples, suggests the area transitioned from a quarry to cultivated land before becoming a burial site. 

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre marks the traditional site of both Golgotha (Calvary) and Jesus’ tomb. The first church on the site was established by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century after his mother, Helena, identified the location. 

>> Link to read the full article: https://www.christianpost.com/news/findings-under-jerusalem-church-support-gospel-of-john.html?utm_source=Daily&utm_campaign=Daily&utm_medium=newsletter

This article was originally published by All Israel News.