Archaeologists uncover ancient landscape matching biblical descriptions of Jesus' burial site

Preliminary findings, published in the Jerusalem archaeological journal Liber Annuus, emerged from excavations during restoration work. Lead archaeologist Francesca Romana Stasolla of the University of Rome La Sapienza stated that the team found evidence of a funerary and agricultural landscape, including an abandoned quarry, cultivated plots, rock-cut tombs, and an ancient garden. These discoveries correspond with the Gospel of John's account of a garden and a new tomb at the crucifixion site.

The excavation revealed parts of the quarry were about 20 feet deep and later filled with soil for agriculture, with evidence of olive trees and grapevines from around the time of Jesus' death. Graves carved directly into the rock were also found, consistent with descriptions in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The site was recognized as a significant burial location before the current church's construction, with a Roman structure from Emperor Hadrian's reign obstructing one chamber.

This Roman structure was later destroyed during Emperor Constantine's construction works, and the area was excavated. The tomb was then separated and given its own Christian shrine. While the findings do not conclusively establish that the tomb belonged to Jesus, Stasolla emphasized the s