In a groundbreaking excavation at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, archaeologists from Sapienza University of Rome have uncovered evidence that aligns remarkably with the biblical description of Jesus Christ’s tomb.

The findings, led by Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla, include remnants of an ancient garden with olive trees and grapevines, corroborating the Gospel of John’s account of a garden near the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered by many Christians as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, has been under excavation to explore its historical layers.

Recent archaeobotanical and pollen analyses revealed seeds and pollen from olive trees and grapevines beneath the church’s floor, dating back roughly 2,000 years to the pre-Christian era.

These findings echo John 19:41, which describes a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, containing a new tomb where no one had yet been laid.

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

The discovery suggests that the area, originally a limestone quarry, was repurposed for agricultural use and burials after quarrying ceased in the 1st century A.D.

This aligns with the historical context of the site, which was outside Jerusalem’s city walls at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion but later incorporated into the city.

The excavation, ongoing since March 2025, involves a team of 10 to 12 archaeologists working in shifts, collaborating with specialists like geologists and archaeobotanists.

The team has uncovered approximately 100,000 pottery shards and other artifacts, some dating back to the Iron Age, indicating the site’s long history as a pilgrimage destination.

Stasolla emphasized the use of advanced technologies to reconstruct the site’s history, stating, “New technologies are allowing us to reconstruct the bigger picture in our labs.”

Despite the significant findings, Stasolla cautioned that radiocarbon testing is still pending to confirm the precise age of the botanical remains.

The analysis of unearthed bones and artifacts is expected to take years, with excavations set to resume after Easter and conclude within months. Only a portion of the northern aisle remains to be explored.