Archaeologists digging under the Church of the Holy Tomb in Jerusalem have discovered indications of an olden-day garden that correspond with biblical descriptions .
Many Christians believe The church is where Jesus was laid to rest and it remains a significant issue till this day pilgrimage site.
Currently, the finding of 2,000-year-old olive trees and grapevines is thought to support the descriptions in the Gospel of John regarding the location of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.
As stated in the Gospel of John, “At the spot where he was crucified, there was a garden, and in this garden, there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been placed.”
"The archaeological plant remains we've discovered have proven particularly intriguing for us, especially when considering the details provided in the Gospel of John, which was penned or compiled by someone well-acquainted with Jerusalem during that era," stated Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla to The Times of Israel.
The Gospel describes a verdant patch of land between the Calvary and the tomb, which we recognized as these farmlands.
Excavations have subsequently taken place as the churches anticipate large numbers of pilgrims during the Easter festivities.
The 2022 initiative marked the initial significant restoration Since the 19th century and led by a professor from Sapienza University of Rome.
The restoration needed approval from all parties involved. Roman Catholic , Armenian and Greek Orthodox caretakers. Additionally, it required an Israel Antiquities Authority license.
Professor Stasolla mentioned that due to the renovation work, the religious communities agreed to permit archaeological excavations beneath the flooring.
The group discovered strata from the Iron Age beneath the basilica, which included artifacts such as ceramics, oil lamps, and soil specimens.
The existence of artifacts predating Christianity indicates that the area evolved gradually from a quarry, then turned into farmland before becoming a burial ground.
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