Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Holy Sepulchre Excavation Finds Clues Consistent With Jesus’ Burial
Archaeologists dug beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
They found old tombs and signs that plants may once have grown there.
Some evidence suggests the area could have looked like the garden described in the Gospel of John.
The plants were dated to around the time Jesus is believed to have died.
The tombs also resemble descriptions in several Gospels.
However, the researchers have not said that they found proof of Jesus’ tomb.
More testing of the tomb materials is still needed.
Another place called the Garden Tomb is also connected to the story.
Archaeologists excavated an ancient burial landscape beneath Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The team found rock-cut tombs, cultivated land, and traces of olive trees and grapevines.
The vegetation was dated to around 33 AD, near the traditionally accepted time of Jesus’ death.
Researchers said the findings resemble Gospel descriptions but do not prove Jesus was buried there.
Further testing and excavation remain necessary, while the Garden Tomb remains a rival proposed site.
- Who
- A team led by Francesca Romana Stasolla of Sapienza University of Rome.
- What
- An excavation uncovered tombs, cultivated land, and evidence of a garden beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- When
- The excavation began in 2022, continued through 2025, and the findings were later published in Liber Annuus.
- Where
- Beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
- Why
- The excavation was conducted during floor-restoration work and investigated the ancient burial landscape beneath the church.
Evidence Supports the Traditional Site
Evidence Does Not Establish Jesus’ Tomb
Gospel consistency
Evidence Supports the Traditional Site
The garden traces, cultivated land, tombs, and the site’s former location outside Jerusalem’s walls are consistent with details in the Gospels.
Evidence Does Not Establish Jesus’ Tomb
Researchers say these similarities are corroborative evidence only and do not demonstrate that Jesus was crucified or buried at the site.
Historical identification
Evidence Supports the Traditional Site
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been treated as a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries and is traditionally associated with Jesus’ crucifixion and burial.
Evidence Does Not Establish Jesus’ Tomb
The Garden Tomb is also associated with Jesus, and earlier claims involving East Talpiot were widely dismissed by biblical scholars and archaeologists.
- Excavation period
- 2022 through 2025
- Site
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
- Findings
- Rock-cut tombs, cultivated fields, marble tombs, olive trees, and grapevines
- Vegetation date
- Around 33 AD
- Publication
- The findings were published in the archaeological journal Liber Annuus.
- Outstanding work
- Geological testing of marble tombs and mortar is still pending, and part of the northern aisle remains unexcavated.