On November 7, 2024, the leaders of the three religious communities responsible for the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem—the Greek Orthodox, the Latin Catholics represented by the Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenians—received an update on the ongoing archaeological excavations at the site. This important development, presented at the Custody facilities, was overseen by the Department of Ancient Sciences at the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” the institution leading these excavations.

The work, which began two years ago, has already yielded some preliminary conclusions. Among the most relevant findings, the official statement reveals that the site is located above an ancient quarry, the activity of which profoundly transformed the underlying rock over time.

According to archaeologists, the last extractions from this quarry are related to the construction of the early Christian complex, a time when worship structures began to be erected. In an environment where agricultural use of ancient quarries was common, researchers have found low walls characteristic of areas dedicated to cultivation in later periods.

Holy Sepulcher
Aerial view of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Credit: אילן ארד / Wikimedia Commons

One of the most notable discoveries is the identification of an area that, according to ancient Christian sources, may have housed a temple of worship built during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. This space, smaller than previous hypotheses by archaeologists like Corbo suggested, likely wasn’t the Roman Capitol, though it appears to have functioned to restrict access to Christ’s tomb, thus preserving its memory among the early Christians.

To confirm these hypotheses, archaeologists plan to continue excavations in the north nave of the current church, which will provide additional evidence about the layout and use of this sacred space during that period.

In another significant finding, archaeologists have confirmed that an extensive leveling of the hill was carried out in the early fourth century. This process, still visible in the geological layers, left intact a burial chamber identified as the tomb of Christ, which was externally clad to emphasize its importance in a monumentalization process of the area.

Holy Sepulcher
Recent excavation areas in the church. Credit: Custodia Terrae Sanctae

From this point on, the funerary structure would have become a small circular shrine with an antechamber and three steps at its entrance, surrounded by 12 columns that defined its architectural design. In front of this structure, a continuous base (stylobate) supported a portico, of which only a part has been recovered.

The development of this sacred space culminated toward the end of the fourth century, when the construction of the Rotunda was completed. This monumental structure, along with the Edicule (the chapel housing the tomb), underwent significant modifications to integrate with the worship basilica through a system of porticos or tripartite colonnades. Current excavations have uncovered fragments of the stylobate on the north, east, and south sides of this complex, providing valuable information about the extent and layout of the liturgical space.

Thus, the Holy Sepulcher was configured as a sanctuary complex dedicated to Christian veneration and worship, characterized by various spaces for different liturgies and pilgrimages. Its structure invites the faithful to circulate around the points of devotion, while also providing shelter under the porticos, in an architectural layout that recalls pre-Christian sanctuaries. This design not only facilitated the movement of pilgrims but also protected the sacred sites.

Holy Sepulcher
Archaeologists working in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Credit: Custodia Terrae Sanctae

Currently, detailed documentation of the basilica and all its attached structures is being carried out to establish a precise connection between the archaeological data and the architectural features that still survive. This documentation work also includes analysis of the materials found, which provide a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the city and the sacred site itself.

The ongoing research not only contributes to a better understanding of the historical context of the Holy Sepulcher but also underscores the importance of archaeology for the preservation and appreciation of the religious and cultural heritage of the Holy Land.

This archaeological project, led by the University of Rome and overseen by the Custody of the Holy Land, opens a new window into the early history of Christianity and the Holy Sepulcher, allowing researchers and the faithful to get closer to the origins and evolution of one of Christianity’s most revered sites.

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Custodia Terrae Sanctae

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