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Holy Sepulchre Excavation Finds Gospel-Linked Jesus Burial Garden

8/28/2026

Summary

Stasolla Uncovers Garden

Archaeologists led by Francesca Romana Stasolla uncovered a garden beneath Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The garden contained olive pits, grape seeds and pollen, indicating ancient cultivation.
Excavators documented a quarry reaching about 20 feet deep and a second-century Roman blockage of a burial chamber.
In the fourth century, workers under Emperor Constantine removed the blockage and isolated the chamber as a Christian shrine.
The garden, quarry and tomb together match the Gospel of John description of Jesus’s burial site.

Summary

Archaeologists Uncover

Excavation of the Holy Sepulchre’s ancient floor began in 2022 and concluded in 2025 before reopening.
Stone-cut graves uncovered match burial details recorded by the four Gospel authors.
The site attracts roughly four million pilgrims and tourists annually, reflecting its global religious importance.
International outlets such as the Daily Mail and New York Post reported on the findings, boosting worldwide interest.

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Stasolla Uncovers Garden

Archaeologists led by Francesca Romana Stasolla uncovered a garden beneath Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The garden contained olive pits, grape seeds and pollen, indicating ancient cultivation.
Excavators documented a quarry reaching about 20 feet deep and a second-century Roman blockage of a burial chamber.
In the fourth century, workers under Emperor Constantine removed the blockage and isolated the chamber as a Christian shrine.
The garden, quarry and tomb together match the Gospel of John description of Jesus’s burial site.

1 / 2