Unusual church: Researchers have uncovered shocking details about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Recent archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have unveiled new details regarding the history of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most revered monuments in Christianity. Located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City, this ancient site has long been associated with key events in Christian tradition, including the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, writes Heritage Daily.

Researchers from Sapienza have discovered findings that shed light on the evolution of this site through various historical periods. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, established in the 4th century, serves as the residence of the Jerusalem Patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church.

According to a joint event involving the custodians of the church, the excavations revealed that the site was initially an ancient quarry. This is evidenced by deep cuts in the rocky terrain and remnants of stone blocks extracted during quarrying operations.

These operations, which extended from the northeast to the southwest, reached depths of over five meters in certain areas. The quarry was abandoned during the Iron Age, after which it was repurposed for agricultural use, primarily for the cultivation of olives and grapes.

Following the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., Emperor Hadrian established the Roman colony of Aelia Capitolina and constructed a pagan temple on the site of the former quarry. This temple lasted until the 4th century when Emperor Constantine the Great demolished it to build a Christian church. Historical records indicate that the Bishop of Jerusalem, Macarius I, sought Constantine's permission for excavations at the location believed to be the burial site of Christ.

As a result of these efforts, a rock-hewn tomb was uncovered, which Macarius identified as the tomb of Jesus. Recent studies have confirmed the presence of a Roman cult structure from Hadrian's time, as well as significant leveling of the terrain to support monumental construction projects.

The sanctuary erected in the 4th century was a complex structure designed to accommodate pilgrims and facilitate various liturgical practices.

Researchers note that this site "was a complex sanctuary with places for worship and veneration, featuring various liturgies and visitation routes. Its very design allows for pilgrim circulation around worship areas, providing shelter under porticos, in accordance with methods well known to pre-Christian and early Christian sanctuaries."

The current excavations focus on the northern aisle of the church to further investigate the Roman cult structure and its significance in understanding the site's transformation over the centuries. Researchers are also documenting the basilica and its annexes, analyzing materials for a deeper understanding of the historical evolution of the church and its role in the urban development of Jerusalem.

These findings not only illuminate the multifaceted history of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre but also deepen the understanding of its enduring significance to Christian heritage.

We also reported on how a photo from an American spy satellite helped scientists. Thanks to declassified information, archaeologists have come closer to identifying the site of the Battle of Al-Qadisiyyah.