Greek scientists have uncovered the “burial slab of Jesus” in the Temple of the Holy Sepulchre

For the first time in centuries, the surface of what is traditionally considered the tomb of Jesus Christ has been revealed by scientists. The tomb, located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Temple of the Resurrection of the Lord in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, had been encased in marble since at least 1555 AD, and possibly for many centuries prior.

“The marble encasing the tomb was removed and we were surprised by the amount of material beneath,” says Fredrik Hiebert, an archaeologist involved in the restoration project. “A lengthy scientific analysis awaits us, but we will finally be able to see the original stone surface where, according to tradition, the body of Jesus was laid.”

As per Christian tradition, Jesus Christ’s body was laid on a limestone slab or “burial bed” adjacent to a cave after his crucifixion by the Romans. Christians believe that Christ was resurrected after death, and the women who went to anoint the body three days after the burial found no remains.

The tomb is situated in the Edicule, a structure built around the tomb, last restored between 1808-1810 following a fire. The Edicule and the inner tomb are currently undergoing restoration by a team of scientists from the National Technical University of Athens, under the supervision of Professor Antonia Moropoulou.

The unveiling of the burial bed provides researchers with the unprecedented opportunity to study the tomb’s original surface. An analysis of the original rock could offer insights into not only the original form of the burial chamber, but also its evolution into one of Christendom’s most sacred sites.

“We are at a critical juncture in the restoration of the Edicule. The techniques we’re using to document this unique monument will enable people to study our findings as if they were inside the tomb of Christ themselves,” Ms. Antonia Moropoulou tells National Geographic, which is featuring the remarkable findings from Jerusalem.

The moment of revelation

 

The church doors were closed early, hours ahead of the regular schedule, leaving a large crowd of worshippers and tourists puzzled in front of the massive wooden gates. Inside, a sizable gathering of conservators, followers of the Franciscan Order, Greek Orthodox priests, and Copts had congregated around the Edicule.

In the usually candle-lit tomb, high-intensity electric lights illuminated the small cell, revealing minute details that are typically missed. The marble slab covering the Holy Sepulchre had been pulled away.

Below, a surface of gray-beige stone was revealed.

The Church, also known as the Church of the Resurrection, is jointly managed by six churches. These include the Greek Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Armenian Orthodox Church, who enlisted the NTFP to carry out the restoration work.

Outside the Dome, Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem observed the proceedings. “The atmosphere here is truly unique, there’s an underlying sense of joy. We have Franciscans, Armenians, Greeks, Muslim guards, and Jewish policemen all present. We hope and pray that this sends out a message that the impossible can be made possible. We all need peace and mutual respect,” he stated.

Restoring a Sacred Edifice

 

The restoration of the Cubicle has been under consideration for decades. In 1927, it sustained damage from an earthquake, prompting the British authorities to reinforce the structure in 1947 with unsightly beams that are still in place today. Disputes over the “status quo” and financial constraints have delayed its repair.

In 2015, with the consensus of the two other major communities, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem invited the National Technical University of Athens (which had previously overseen restoration work on the Acropolis and Hagia Sophia) to examine the Cubicle. By March 2016, the decision was made to commence restoration work, slated for completion in spring 2017.

The restoration is projected to cost 3.7 million euros, with most of the funding coming from prominent donors such as King Abdullah II of Jordan and Mica Ertegun, the widow of Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records.

The National Geographic Society, with the endorsement of the Greek Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other religious communities, has partnered with the National Technical University of Athens to preserve cultural heritage. Further details about the new discoveries and the entire restoration process will be aired on the National Geographic Channel’s Explorer show next month.

For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com