The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem: This is a place that has an ancient tomb and rock face that looks like a skull. Some believe it's the site of Golgotha. Gordon's Garden Tomb Lecture by Archaeologist Gabriel Barkay (details about the Garden Tomb start at the 37:00 mark of the video) This lecture is from 2009. Since then, the walls of Jerusalem have been identified. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was clearly outside the city walls during the time of Jesus. Photo Gallery Places of Interest Garden Tomb Location 1. Gordan’s Garden Tomb is located just 250 yards (220 m.) to the north of the Damascus Gate of Old City Jerusalem. 2. The evidence is overwhelming that the Garden Tomb is not the authentic site of Golgotha. However, it does provide a serene setting in a garden-like place where many go to meditate and reflect upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 3. Some consider it the location of Golgotha, but again, the evidence clearly points to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the true site (see below for why). Historical Background of the Garden Tomb 1. The property of the Garden Tomb was purchased in 1894 by The Garden Tomb Association. 2. It is a Charitable Trust based in the United Kingdom and comprises people from many different denominations and national backgrounds. 3. Their passion is to help people understand all Christ did for them on the Cross. 4. The site is maintained by volunteers who come from around the globe and join a team of local Arabs and Israelis. Places of Interest 1. Garden Tomb ~ The tomb is from around 800-700 BC. It is an Old Testament tomb in the area of an Old Testament graveyard. It is not from the time period of Christ. 2. Rock-cut Channel ~ At the entrance of the tomb is a rock-cut channel that appears to be where a stone could be rolled to cover and uncover the tomb. However, the channel is not from the time of Jesus. Archaeological and historical evidence shows that the channel was cut during the Crusader period, most likely between 1100 and 1200 AD. 3. Rock-face Cliff ~ In the area of the Garden Tomb is a rock-cut cliff that has the faint appearance of a human skull. Today, is very difficult to see the face, but older photos show it more clearly. This shape has been given as evidence for the Garden Tomb as being the place of Golgotha. However, over the past 50 or so years, its look has undergone dramatic changes. In fact, it now bears hardly any resemblance to the look of a skull. That's why the Garden Tomb has a photo of it posted for all to see. Imagine how this shape has likely changed over the past 2,000 or so years, with all the wars, rain, erosion, and other natural forces that have affected it. As mentioned, today, it hardly resembles a skull. When Scripture mentions this site, it doesn't necessarily refer to a natural shape, but is more likely to refer to a place where crucifixions took place. Therefore, the natural formation at the Garden Tomb is weak evidence and shouldn't be a major factor in determining the true site of Golgotha. This shape could have looked entirely different during Jesus' time. 3. Damascus Gate 4. Old City Jerusalem 5. Church of the Holy Sepulchre Evidence for Why the Garden Tomb is Not the Authentic Site of Golgotha After extensive research, we have come to a firm conviction that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the true site of Golgotha. While we understand that some may disagree, here is the evidence that supports our conclusion. 1. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was outside the Old City Walls of Jerusalem during the time of Christ. While the staff at the Garden Tomb are gracious, they lead you to believe that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was located within the Old City Walls of Jerusalem during the time of Christ, making it unlikely to be the site of Golgotha. This is false. The wall that now encompasses the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was added about 10 years after Christ. Historical records, archaeology, and eyewitness accounts all reveal this as factual. This later wall was incorporated into the city shortly after the time of Christ by Herod Agrippa (AD 41-44). This is also supported by records of Flavius Josephus, a 1st-century Roman historian. Many eyewitness accounts and writings (Origen, Melito of Sardis, Eusebius, and Jerome) clearly affirm the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the location of Golgotha (we will elaborate on this further below). 2. The Garden Tomb is an Old Testament tomb, not a new tomb from the 1st century (time of Christ), as described in the Gospels. Scripture clearly states that Jesus was laid in a new tomb. "And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb , which he had cut out in the rock" Matthew 27:59-60). The problem with the Garden Tomb is that it's situated within an 8th-century BC grave complex. It follows all of the known patterns of 8th-century BC tombs and breaks all the patterns of known 1st-century tombs. In short, it’s from the wrong era to be Christ’s tomb. This determination is based on the plan and characteristics of its rooms, the type of chisels used to excavate the tomb, the artifacts found inside, and other relevant factors. Thus, it does not qualify as a "new tomb" of the first century. 3. Scripture clearly teaches that one had to bend over or stoop down to see and enter Jesus' tomb. So Peter and the other disciple left, and they were going to the tomb. The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead, faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first; and he stooped [NASB, ESV, NKJV] bent over [NIV, KJV] to look in, and saw the linen wrappings lying there; however he did not go in (John 20:3-6). The problem with the Garden Tomb is that you walk up to it and enter. You don't stoop down or bend over to enter or see it. 4. Golgotha was near Old City Jerusalem Scripture states in John 19:20 that the place of crucifixion was near the city of Jerusalem, so this place fits the biblical narrative well: Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. The Garden Tomb would have been much farther away than the location of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 5. During the time of Christ, there was a gate to Jerusalem called the Gennath Gate, which means Garden Gate. This gate was discovered recently. It is in a slightly different location than the Jerusalem model, which was built before the gate was discovered. Josephus also mentions this gate in his historical writings. There was a road that passed by the stone quarry, serving as a route for travelers entering and leaving Jerusalem. Because the quarry had fallen out of use many years before Christ, it gradually developed into a garden, with a cistern and pool of water nearby. Some of the rock was left, and the Romans crucified people upon it. This rock can be seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre today. It was an ideal place because it was just outside the city and located on a well-traveled road. The Romans crucified people in the most visible places possible so all would learn what would happen to them if they disobeyed Roman laws. There were also tombs in the rock faces that were used for burials. Substantial remains of the First Wall have been found in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. In these latter excavations, the remains of the Gennath (Garden) Gate and the beginning of what is believed to be the Second Wall have been found, just where Josephus described them as being (cf. War 5.146). The name "Garden Gate" indicates that a garden must have been located nearby. However, this garden wasn't like a flower garden; it was a farming garden for raising crops. Excavations below the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer reveal that this area was once an ancient quarry, which was later abandoned. A layer of new farming soil has been discovered under the Church of the Redeemer, indicating that it was once a garden area. The excavators believe that the area was filled with fertile soil, presumably to transform the unsightly quarry remains into a small farming garden. An additional area near the rock quarry was converted into a cistern as the city expanded. From the Gospels, we know that Jesus was crucified in a place called "Calvary" and buried in a garden that was in the same place as Joseph of Arimathea's tomb. The front wall of the tomb faced east, allowing the early morning sun to illuminate it. According to Hebrews 13:12, Jesus was crucified outside the city. Some people have a problem with the proximity of the place where Jesus was crucified and his tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. However, John 19:41 states, "Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid." So, Scripture clearly indicates that the crucifixion and the tomb were close to each other. 6. The burial tomb at the Garden Tomb has a channel where a large round rock was rolled to cover the tomb. These kinds of tombs were only used by people of royalty. Those who could afford burial cave tombs had smaller square-like stones to cover the tombs. 7. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has 2,000 years of continual historical, archaeological, and eyewitness history confirming it as the site of Golgotha. The Garden Tomb has no such history. Historical Background of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre 1. 1000 ~ 400 BC The place of Calvary was once a stone quarry that supplied stone for the building of the temple and so forth. 2. 4 BC ~ 33 AD During Christ's time, there was a gate to Jerusalem called the Gennath Gate, which means garden gate. This gate was discovered recently. It is in a slightly different location than the Jerusalem Model located at the Israel Museum, which was built before the gate was discovered. Josephus also mentions this gate in his historical writings. There was a road that passed by the stone quarry, serving as a route for travelers entering and leaving Jerusalem. Because the quarry had fallen out of use many years before Christ, it gradually developed into a garden, with a nearby cistern and pool of water. Some of the rock was left, and the Romans crucified people upon it. This rock can be seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre today. It was an ideal place because it was just outside the city and located on a well-traveled road. The Romans crucified people in the most visible places possible so all would learn what would happen to them if they disobeyed Roman laws. There were also tombs in the rock faces that were used for burials. Scripture states in John 19:20 that the place of crucifixion was near the city of Jerusalem, so this place fits the biblical narrative well: Therefore, many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and in Greek. Substantial remains of the First Wall have been found in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. In these latter excavations, the remains of the Gennath (Garden) Gate and the beginning of what is believed to be the Second Wall have been found, just where Josephus described them as being (cf. War 5.146). The name "Garden Gate" indicates that a garden must have been located nearby. However, this garden wasn't like a flower garden; it was a farming garden for raising small crops. Excavations below the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer reveal that this area was once an ancient quarry, which was later abandoned. A layer of new farming soil has been discovered under the Church of the Redeemer, indicating that it was once a garden area. The excavators believe that the area was filled with fertile soil, presumably to transform the unsightly quarry remains into a small garden for farming. An additional area near the rock quarry was converted into a cistern as the city expanded. From the Gospels, we know that Jesus was crucified in a place called "Calvary" (also called Golgotha) and buried in a garden that was in the same place as Joseph of Arimathea's tomb. The front wall of the tomb faced east, allowing the early morning sun to illuminate it. According to Hebrews 13:12, Jesus was crucified outside the city. Some people have a problem with the proximity of the place where Jesus was crucified and his tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. However, John 19:41 states, "Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid." So, Scripture clearly indicates that the crucifixion and the tomb were close to each other. 3. 33 ~ 135 AD According to historians Eusebius and Socrates Scholasticus, the Christian community of Jerusalem held worship services at the site from shortly after the resurrection of Jesus until 66 AD. Additionally, according to tradition, the early Christian community of Jerusalem venerated the site of the crucifixion from the time of the resurrection until 135 AD, when Emperor Hadrian destroyed and rebuilt Jerusalem. Visiting the burial sites of rabbis was a common practice that is still done to this day by the Jews. Therefore, it is clear that the early Christians would have visited the place where Christ died and rose again as well. No one was like Jesus, so His followers knew exactly where Golgotha was and venerated it. There is no way this spot would have been lost or forgotten by them. For example, shortly after the resurrection of Christ, the Upper Room was converted into a church, and the apse (which is a half-round circle with a dome shape) pointed toward the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection place of Christ (where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today). This provides significant evidence that this place was venerated and visited early on after Christ's resurrection. Because this place was so important, the apse of the Upper Room Church pointed toward it and not the temple. Another interesting fact is that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre also contains burial tombs that date back to the time of Christ. They are of the type that were used from about 37 BC to around 70 AD. These tombs clearly indicate that this area had tombs and was outside the City of Jerusalem during the time of Christ, as regular people were not buried within the city. Lastly, during this period, from the time of Christ to 132 AD, a carving with an ancient Latin description was found here. It says, "Yes, Lord! We will go." This shows that early Christians venerated this place. 4. 41 ~ 44 AD About 10 years after the crucifixion of Christ, a wall was built by King Agrippa I that enclosed the area of Christ's execution and burial within the city. This accounts for why the Holy Sepulchre is located inside the Old City walls of Jerusalem today. 5. 132 ~ 135 AD The next major event that affected the site of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ was a major Jewish rebellion against the Romans called the Bar Kokhba revolt around 132 AD. Due to the revolt, the Roman Emperor Hadrian destroyed much of Jerusalem and altered its orientation. He renamed the city Aelia Capitolina and the country to Palestine. Aelia is derived from the emperor’s family name, and Capitolina refers to the cult of the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva). Palestine is a derivative of the Philistines. Hadrian's intent was to erase any connection the Jews had to their homeland. He desired to erase the Jewish connection to the land because of the Jews' continual rebellions and uprisings. He constructed a main street that ran north and south, called the Cardo Maximus (meaning "hinge" or "center axis"). He also desecrated the place of the crucifixion and resurrection that had been venerated by early Christians, and in its place, he built a large platform that filled in the quarry and erected upon it a large temple. Hadrian erected a statue of the Roman god Jupiter (equivalent to Zeus) over the tomb of Jesus, and a statue of Venus (equivalent to Aphrodite) over the site of his crucifixion. Hadrian was so intent on destroying any connection to the land by the Jews and the Christians that he buried all the evidence of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ under a platform that housed his large temple to Jupiter and Venus. Hadrian laid out the new City of Jerusalem so that the major streets led to his temple to Jupiter and Venus, which again were over the remains of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ. Coins have been discovered that depict the image of the temple that Hadrian built to Venus. 6. 160 AD The most compelling, and indeed the earliest witness to the local memory of the site of Jesus’ death and burial, comes through the testimony of Melito of Sardis. Melito was a very important figure in the history of the church, as he was the first to compile the Christian Canon of the Old Testament. In fact, he is the one who coined the term “Old Testament.” Melito affirms that the location of Golgotha was where Hadrian built a temple to the false god Venus. It is important to note that between 160 and 450 AD, six historians wrote about the location of the crucifixion site, and all of them place this event either under or in the vicinity of Hadrian’s Temple to Jupiter and Venus. 7. 185 – 254 AD Origen of Alexandria is also an eyewitness to the location of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the site of Golgotha. 8. 260 ~ 339 AD Eusebius, the bishop of Caesarea , Israel, provided a chronological account of the development of Early Christianity from the 1st century to the 4th century. He was an eyewitness to some of the events Hadrian did and wrote down what he saw. Regarding the desecration of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ, Eusebius says: "The Romans brought a quantity of earth from a distance with much labor and covered the entire spot and buried it. Then having raised this to a moderate height, they paved it with stone." What he described was the raised platform Hadrian built, upon which he erected his temple to Jupiter and Venus. This platform had retaining walls around it, some of which can still be seen inside the Church today. Additionally, some of the stairs leading up to the Temple of Hadrian can still be seen today in the lower part of the church to the east. Eusebius goes on to say, "The monument of his most holy passions so long ago buried beneath the ground." Here, he is describing the place where the crucifixion and tomb of Christ were buried. Hadrian also minted a coin depicting the temple he built upon Golgotha. Eusebius describes the destruction of Hadrian's temple by Constantine: "As soon as his [Constantine's] commands were given, these engines of deceit were cast down from their proud eminence to very ground and the dwelling places of error with the statues and the evil spirits which they represented were overthrown and utterly destroyed. Nor did the Emperor's zeal stop here, but he gave further orders that the materials of what was thus destroyed, both stone and timber, should be removed and thrown as far from the spot as possible, and this command also was speedily executed." Eusebius continues: "The emperor, however, was not satisfied with having proceeded thus far; once more fired with holy adjure, he directed that the ground itself should be dug up to come to a considerable depth and the soil which had been polluted by the foul impurities of demon worship transported to a far distant place. This was also accomplished without delay, and as soon as the original surface of the ground beneath the covering of the earth appeared, immediately the venerable and Holy Monument of our Savior's resurrection was discovered. Then indeed did the most holy cave [referring to the tomb] present a faithful similitude of his return to life and that after lying buried in darkness, it again emerged to light and afforded to all who came to witness a sight a clear and visible proof of the wonders of which that spot had once been seen, a testimony to the resurrection of the Savior clearer than any voice could give." Eusebius then speaks about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that Constantine built: "Accordingly, on the very spot which witnessed the Savior's suffering, a new Jerusalem was constructed where at the side opposite to the Sepulcher [Jesus's tomb] which was the eastern side, the church itself was erected, a noble work rising to a vast height and a great extent in length and breadth." Eusebius now describes the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Constantine: "Thereupon the Emperor issued sacred edicts, and when he had provided an abundant supply of all the things required for the project, he gave orders that a House of Prayer worthy of God should be erected round about the cave of salvation [he is speaking about the tomb], and on a scale of rich and imperial costliness to be greater than anything else that had been built on earth." So Constantine built a large mausoleum over the tomb's location. A mausoleum is a structure designed for burial or entombment above the ground. The temple of Hadrian would remain in place for another 200 years or so until the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. 9. 313 AD A major change happened in the Roman Empire when Constantine legalized Christianity. Later, because his mother was so passionate about Christ, she made a trip to the Holy Land to build churches over the main events of Christ’s life. She built the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives (currently known as the Pater Noster Church), the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Roman Emperor Constantine had the Temple of Hadrian, erected to Jupiter and Venus, demolished to make way for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. During the demolition process, the tomb and crucifixion site of Jesus were uncovered once again, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was subsequently erected. Additionally, Constantine's mother, Helena, is claimed to have discovered the relic of the Cross of Jesus at this time as well. The church was dedicated in 335 AD. The church was laid out in three sections: 1: Leading up from the Cardo was the church venerating the crucifixion site, also known as the Basilica of the Martyrium (taken from the word martyr). The apse of the church faced west. 2: The courtyard was called the triportico because it had three sides with covered walkways. Just outside the church, and before the mausoleum (with its rotunda dome), was an open courtyard. Just to the left was the crucifixion site of Christ. Now, I should mention that some believe the crucifixion site was located in the apse part of the Basilica of the Martyrium and not in the courtyard. However, the likelihood of the tomb's location and the crucifixion site being exactly aligned is unrealistic. It appears that the building was constructed in this manner for aesthetic reasons, rather than archaeological purposes. The remains of the rock of Golgotha are still preserved today and are located in the place where the courtyard once stood, not in the church itself, specifically in the apse area. 3: Just beyond the open courtyard was the large rotunda covering the tomb of Christ. This is also known as a mausoleum or anastasis. The tomb was initially carved out of the rock and preserved. You can see an example of this in Absalom's Monument in the Kidron Valley. The crypt, or cistern of the crosses, was under the Basilica of the Martyrium, venerating Golgotha. 10. 333 AD Another eyewitness account that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was located on the site of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ comes from the Pilgrim of Bardot: "On your left is a little hill of Golgotha where the Lord was crucified, about a stone's throw from it is the Crypt where they laid his body and from where he rose again on the third day. These are present by order of Constantine. There has been built a basilica that is a church of wondrous beauty." 11. 347 ~ 420 AD Jerome established a monastery at Bethlehem and translated the Old and New Testaments from Hebrew to Latin. Bethlehem is very close to Jerusalem, so Jerome was an eyewitness to the events he wrote about. Here's what Jerome tells us: "From the time of Hadrian to the reign of Constantine, the spot which had witnessed the resurrection was occupied by a figure of Jupiter while on the rock where the cross had stood a marble statue of Venus was set up by the heathen and became an object of worship. The original persecutors indeed suppose that by polluting our holy places, they would deprive us of our faith in the passion and in the resurrection." So Jerome confirms that from the time of Hadrian to Constantine, the temple Hadrian built was located on top of Golgotha. So, in the place where Christ died for the sins of humanity, Hadrian set up a temple to false gods who promoted deep immoral sins. What a contrast. 12. 380 AD A quote from another pilgrim's account of a worship service in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre states that: "I know you were eager to know about the services they have daily in the holy places, I shall tell you about them. When the first cock has crowed, the bishop straightaway enters and goes into the tomb and the anastasis [anastasis means resurrection and is the round rotunda dome place in the church over the tomb of Christ] and the whole crowd streams into the Anastasis which is already ablaze with many lamps. Then the bishop standing inside the screen takes the gospel and advances to the door of the tomb, where he himself reads the account of the Lord's resurrection. When the gospel is finished, the bishop comes out and is taken with hymns to the cross, and they all go with him to the great church, the martyrium. The people assemble in the great church built by Constantine upon Golgotha." 13. 400 AD Another amazing piece of evidence is found at the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana, which is recognized as the oldest place of Christian worship in Rome. In the apse of the building is a mosaic of Christ with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the background. So, we actually have an image of what Constantine's Church of the Holy Sepulchre looked like. This is strong evidence of the church's authenticity. 14. 550 AD In addition, more substantial evidence supporting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the true site of Golgotha is found in Madaba, Jordan. The Madaba Mosaic Map is part of a floor mosaic in the early Byzantine church of St. George in Madaba, Jordan. The map is of the Middle East, and part of it shows the oldest surviving original depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. On the map of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the center of the city. This reveals that the church existed and was venerated as the site of Jesus' death and resurrection by this time. 15. 614 ~ 638 AD The next significant change to the church occurred during the Persian conquest in , when it was pillaged and suffered significant damage. However, the monk Modestus restored it. According to tradition, the relic of the True Cross was also taken during this time and then recovered in 630 AD. In 638 AD, Jerusalem came under Muslim rule, but Christians could still make pilgrimages to the church. 16. 1009 AD The Muslim Caliph al-Hakim ordered all churches to be destroyed. This proved fatal for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was singled out in particular and destroyed beyond recognition. During the destruction of the church, the tomb of Christ was largely destroyed. However, some of the rock of the tomb and its location were still preserved. 17. 1048 AD The Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos and Patriarch Nicephorus of Constantinople again restored the church at great expense. 18. 1112 ~ 1187 AD The Crusaders renovated the church in 1112 AD and reconsecrated it in 1149 AD. Much of what is seen today of the church dates back to the Crusader renovations around 1112 AD, although portions of the original church of Constantine remain. As 12th-century maps reveal, the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was the spiritual center of Christendom and its most important pilgrimage site. The church was laid out so pilgrims could move from chapel to chapel, culminating in the Holy Sepulchre itself. The church that the Crusaders built included the courtyard where Golgotha was believed to have been, and enclosed everything under one roof within a magnificent cathedral. The entrance to the church was relocated from the east end to the south side of the building. Stairs and a platform were built at the level of Golgotha so pilgrims could be at the same level where Jesus was crucified. This stairway and platform still exist today. The Basilica of Helena, accessed from stairs leading downward, was built. This is the place where Helena is believed to have found the true Cross of Christ. It was initially in a hole under the quarry. The entrance to Calvary was located outside the church, with stairs leading upwards to a platform where all the events of the crucifixion were depicted. The Basilica of the Martyrium was transformed, and all its contents were housed under the cathedral's roof. The apse of the church Constantine built for the crucifixion site faced west; today, it faces east. The sites of the crucifixion and tomb have remained in the same places since the time of Christ. Only the buildings around them have changed. An Edicule was built over Christ's tomb, and within it is the Chapel of the Angels, as well as what remains of Christ's tomb. The right-hand door was blocked up after the Muslim reconquest of the city in 1187. Today, the entrance consists of a single large door. The three primary custodians of the church were appointed when the Crusaders ruled Jerusalem. They are the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic churches. In the 19th century, the Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syrian Orthodox also acquired responsibilities, albeit in a smaller capacity. Each church denomination agrees on the times and places of worship. A Muslim family has been given the key for opening and closing the church doors since 1187 AD, when Muslims seized control of Jerusalem. 19. 1808 After a fire, the last significant changes to the church took place around 1808 AD. The Edicule over the tomb was renovated. The central Catholicon was closed, which was once part of the courtyard of Constantine’s church. New stairs leading up to Calvary were changed from outside the church to inside. Today, you enter from just inside the church, turn right, and take steep stairs up to the platform of Calvary. The Edicule, or tomb of Christ, has been renovated several times since the Crusaders. It suffered an earthquake in 1927 and was subsequently shored up; then, in 2016, it underwent another renovation. 20. 2016 In 2016, when the marble slab over the traditional burial bench was removed inside the tomb of Christ edicule, researchers found the original limestone surface of the burial bed intact. Under the outer marble covering, they also found an older broken marble slab with a cross carved into it, resting directly on the limestone rock. This was important because many scholars wondered whether the tomb had been destroyed or moved over the centuries. 21. 2022 ~ Present In April of 2022, a stone slab was turned over during renovations, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. They identified unique decorations on this stone slab that combine Classical, Byzantine, and early Islamic art, featuring finely cut tiles of colorful marble used to fill in circular engravings on the stone. The stone slab stood at the apex of the sanctuary in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This provides further evidence that this site has been revered for millennia as the actual location of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Recent excavations beneath the church floor revealed that the area was originally a limestone quarry, with quarry marks visible in the bedrock. The Israel Antiquities Authority's preliminary report states that the exposed bedrock shows evidence of intensive quarrying throughout the area. This is important because the Gospel setting makes sense archaeologically: Golgotha and nearby tombs would have been outside the city wall in a reused quarry area, not in the middle of a normal residential neighborhood. Archaeobotanical analysis found remains connected with grapes, figs, cereals, grasses, and possibly olive trees. This is striking because John 19:41 says that “in the place where He was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb.” The finds do not “prove the resurrection,” but they do show that the traditional Holy Sepulchre area really did have garden or agricultural activity before Constantine’s church was built. Conclusion 1. Based on all the above accounts, the true site of Golgotha should have evidence of buildings on and around it. The problem with the Garden Tomb is that it has none of this. There is no evidence of buildings or any other structures on or around it, and it was only discovered in 1883. The true site of Golgotha must have ruins on it. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre meets this requirement. 2. When attempting to find an authentic site, the best candidate is where one thing has been built upon another, dating close to the time of its beginning. Again, the problem with the Garden Tomb is that it lacks this, while the Church of the Holy Sepulchre does. Now, in archaeology, one of the most important factors in locating an authentic site is having one thing built upon another. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has around 2,000 years of such history. For me personally, there is no doubt this is the genuine place where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead to pay for our sins. All the evidence and historical writings from eyewitnesses provide overwhelming evidence that supports the authenticity of this site. Therefore, the true site of Golgotha should exhibit all the evidence of the buildings described in the eyewitness accounts, match the historical records and archaeological discoveries, and have these ruins visible to some extent today. There is only one place in the world that contains all this evidence, and it's the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The evidence is just so overwhelming that this is the true location of Golgotha. 3. Christians would not have forgotten where Golgotha was. There was no one like Jesus. The holiest site for Christians was marked out early and venerated. It has been venerated for 2,000 years and continues to be so today. The early Christians would not have forgotten where Golgotha was. The problem with the Garden Tomb is that it is based upon Christians forgetting this holiest event. 4. The rock face that resembles a skull at the Garden Tomb is weak evidence. The shape of the rock face at the Garden Tomb appears to be convincing evidence. However, over the past 50 or so years, its look has undergone dramatic changes. In fact, it now bears hardly any resemblance to the look of a skull. That's why the Garden Tomb has a photo of it posted for all to see. Imagine how this shape has likely changed over the past 2,000 or so years, with all the wars, rain, erosion, and other natural forces that have affected it. As mentioned, today, it hardly resembles a skull. When Scripture mentions this site, it doesn't necessarily refer to a natural shape, but is more likely to refer to a place where crucifixions took place. Therefore, the natural formation at the Garden Tomb is weak evidence and shouldn't be a major factor in determining the true site of Golgotha. This shape could have looked entirely different during Jesus' time. 5. What appears to be some motives regarding the Garden Tomb. It appears that part of the reason why evangelicals don't like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and favor the Garden Tomb has to do with theological reasons, rather than biblical, historical, or archaeological ones. They don't like the fact that it has a Catholic influence. However, it's only partly Catholic. Six different faiths claim ownership of it—Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Coptic, etc. Another reason they dislike it is its atmosphere. It's hard to picture what it would have been like during the time of Christ, and the ornaments and decorations may not have appealed to them. Due to the numerous adornments and constructions over the centuries, it is challenging to envision how the site would have appeared during the time of Christ. However, these 2,000 years of activity and tradition give greater weight to its authenticity. Some people have an adverse reaction to the atmosphere inside the church. However, this is what we should expect from a place that has been venerated for two millennia. We understand why most evangelicals don't like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and favor the Garden Tomb. However, if it's the truth we are looking for, then t he overwhelming evidence points to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre location as the true site of Golgotha. Final Thoughts 1. We also understand that many find significant meaning in the atmosphere of the Garden Tomb, which serves as a meaningful place to meditate on all that happened at Golgotha. We are in no way against this. We are just trying to be faithful servants who present the evidence for the truth. We wish the Garden Tomb God's richest blessings.

See how archaeology affirms the truthfulness of the Bible. See all kinds of Bible videos, information, proof, resources, writings, teachings, and more. Archaeology and the Bible Archaeology & the Bible Introduction Archaeology is one of the great friends of the Bible. It uncovers cities, gates, walls, coins, inscriptions, tombs, roads, pools, and everyday objects from the world of Scripture. These discoveries do not create the truth of the Bible, but they often confirm it. They show that the Bible is rooted in real places, real people, real governments, real customs, and real history. At the same time, the Bible does not need archaeology in order to be true. God’s Word stands on its own. Archaeology is helpful evidence, but it is not the foundation of our faith. The foundation is God Himself and His inspired Word. Archaeology Supports the Bible For many years, critics claimed that certain people or events in the Bible were doubtful because there was little outside evidence for them. But again and again, archaeology has shown that the Bible was accurate. 1. One strong example is the Tel Dan Stele, a 9th-century BC inscription found in northern Israel. It mentions the “House of David,” giving important evidence that David was not just a religious legend, but the founder of a real royal dynasty in Judah. The Israel Museum identifies this inscription as a victory stele from Dan mentioning the “House of David.” 2. Another example is the Mesha Stele, also called the Moabite Stone. This inscription was written by King Mesha of Moab and tells about Moab’s conflict with Israel. The Louvre describes it as a historical Moabite text of 34 lines, written shortly after 842 BC, describing Mesha’s recovery of territories from Israel. This fits the biblical world of 2 Kings 3, where Mesha king of Moab rebelled against Israel. 3. The Taylor Prism, also called Sennacherib’s Prism, is another important discovery. It records the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s campaign against Judah and mentions Hezekiah king of Judah. The British Museum describes it as a clay prism containing Sennacherib’s campaigns, including tribute received from Hezekiah in 701 BC. This supports the historical background of 2 Kings 18–19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36–37. 4. In the New Testament world, the Pontius Pilate inscription found at Caesarea confirms that Pilate was a real Roman official in Judea. The Israel Museum lists a Latin dedicatory inscription from Caesarea mentioning Pontius Pilate, the procurator of Judea. This supports the Gospel accounts that place Pilate in authority during the trial of Jesus. Archaeology Confirms the World of the Bible Archaeology does more than confirm famous names. It also helps us understand the world in which the Bible took place. 1. The Bible speaks of kings, empires, temples, gates, city walls, water systems, taxes, armies, and written decrees. Archaeology shows that these details fit the ancient world. For example, the Cyrus Cylinder records how Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BC and allowed displaced peoples and temple objects to be restored. This fits the kind of Persian policy described in Ezra, where Cyrus allows the Jews to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. 2. In Jerusalem, discoveries connected with water systems, pools, tunnels, and walls help us picture the city of the Bible. The Pool of Siloam, connected with John 9 where Jesus healed the blind man, has been identified through excavations near the City of David. Archaeology helps bring that Gospel account into a real physical setting. 3. These discoveries remind us that the Bible is not written like mythology. It gives names, dates, rulers, regions, roads, cities, and events that can often be tested against the physical remains of history. Archaeology Supports the Preservation of the Bible One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time is the Dead Sea Scrolls. These ancient manuscripts include some of the oldest known copies of biblical texts. The Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library, connected with the Israel Antiquities Authority, describes the scroll fragments as including the oldest known copies of biblical texts. The Great Isaiah Scroll is especially important. It contains all 66 chapters of Isaiah and dates to around 125 BC. This shows that the book of Isaiah was being copied and preserved long before the time of Christ. This matters because it shows that the Old Testament text was handled with great care. The Dead Sea Scrolls do not create the authority of Scripture, but they give strong evidence that the Bible we have today has been faithfully preserved. Archaeology “Proves” the Bible in the Areas It Can Test It is fair to say that archaeology has proved many historical details in the Bible. It has proved that many biblical people were real. It has proved that many biblical places were real. It has proved that many customs, empires, inscriptions, wars, and events fit the world described in Scripture. But we should also be careful. Archaeology cannot prove everything, because archaeology has limits. It cannot dig up love, forgiveness, sin, grace, angels, demons, heaven, or eternal life. It cannot place the resurrection of Jesus in a laboratory. It cannot prove every miracle by finding an artifact. However, archaeology can show that the Bible is historically trustworthy where it touches the world of history. And if the Bible is reliable in the areas we can test, we have good reason to trust it in the areas we cannot fully test. The Bible Can Stand Alone Without Archaeology While archaeology is powerful, the Bible does not depend on archaeology to be true. Scripture was God’s Word before the first spade went into the ground. It was true before the Tel Dan Stele was found. It was true before the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. It was true before Pilate’s name was found in stone. The Bible stands alone because it comes from God. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” Its authority comes from divine inspiration, not from human discovery. Archaeology is a witness, but it is not the judge. The Bible does not sit in the courtroom waiting for archaeology to decide whether it is true. Rather, archaeology often enters the courtroom as a witness and says, “The Bible was right.” Faith and Evidence Work Together Christians do not need to be afraid of evidence. The Bible is not a book of fairy tales. It is rooted in history. It speaks of real people like David, Hezekiah, Cyrus, Pilate, Peter, Paul, and Jesus. It speaks of real places like Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Caesarea, Capernaum, and Rome. Archaeology strengthens our confidence because it shows that the Bible fits the real world. It gives color, background, and confirmation. It helps us understand the setting of Scripture more clearly. But our faith is not in stones, scrolls, or inscriptions. Our faith is in the living God. Archaeology can support the Bible, but only God can change the heart. Conclusion Archaeology and the Bible go beautifully together. Archaeology uncovers the ancient world, and the Bible explains its meaning. Archaeology gives us stones, ruins, inscriptions, and artifacts. The Bible gives us truth, salvation, and the message of God’s redemption. The discoveries of archaeology strongly support the Bible’s historical reliability. They prove many details that critics once doubted. They show that Scripture is grounded in real history. But the Bible does not need archaeology in order to stand. Archaeology is a helpful servant, not the master. The Word of God is true because God is true. Archaeology simply helps us see, again and again, that the Bible can be trusted.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the believed place where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. See all the places and events that happened at the Church of this historical place. Church of the Holy Sepulchre Background Photo Gallery Places of Interest Church of the Holy Sepulchre Background Introduction Welcome to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The evidence is overwhelming that this is the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. This is the most significant event in Christian history. We will explore all the evidence and witness this monumental event. There are two main sites here that we'll see: (1) Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified, and (2) the tomb where Jesus was buried and rose from the dead. May the significance of this place move you as you reflect on what Christ did here for you and for everyone else. Its role in God's master plan of salvation cannot be overstated. Location 1. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located about 450 yards (415 m.) west of the Temple Mount. 2. It was located outside the city walls during the time of Christ. 3. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to be the place where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. 4. It is the ending place of the Via Dolorosa path, and the last five stations are located there. 5. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the most important holy site in Christianity and is visited by over one million pilgrims every year. Historical Background 1. 1000 ~ 400 BC The place of Calvary was once a stone quarry that supplied stone for the building of the temple and so forth. 2. 4 BC ~ 33 AD During Christ's time, there was a gate to Jerusalem called the Gennath Gate, which means garden gate. This gate was discovered recently. It is in a slightly different location than the Jerusalem Model located at the Israel Museum, which was built before the gate was discovered. Josephus also mentions this gate in his historical writings. There was a road that passed by the stone quarry, serving as a route for travelers entering and leaving Jerusalem. Because the quarry had fallen out of use many years before Christ, it gradually developed into a garden, with a nearby cistern and pool of water. Some of the rock was left, and the Romans crucified people upon it. This rock can be seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre today. It was an ideal place because it was just outside the city and located on a well-traveled road. The Romans crucified people in the most visible places possible so all would learn what would happen to them if they disobeyed Roman laws. There were also tombs in the rock faces that were used for burials. Scripture states in John 19:20 that the place of crucifixion was near the city of Jerusalem, so this place fits the biblical narrative well: Therefore, many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and in Greek. Substantial remains of the First Wall have been found in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. In these latter excavations, the remains of the Gennath (Garden) Gate and the beginning of what is believed to be the Second Wall have been found, just where Josephus described them as being (cf. War 5.146). The name "Garden Gate" indicates that a garden must have been located nearby. However, this garden wasn't like a flower garden; it was a farming garden for raising small crops. Excavations below the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer reveal that this area was once an ancient quarry, which was later abandoned. A layer of new farming soil has been discovered under the Church of the Redeemer, indicating that it was once a garden area. The excavators believe that the area was filled with fertile soil, presumably to transform the unsightly quarry remains into a small garden for farming. An additional area near the rock quarry was converted into a cistern as the city expanded. From the Gospels, we know that Jesus was crucified in a place called "Calvary" (also called Golgotha) and buried in a garden that was in the same place as Joseph of Arimathea's tomb. The front wall of the tomb faced east, allowing the early morning sun to illuminate it. According to Hebrews 13:12, Jesus was crucified outside the city. Some people have a problem with the proximity of the place where Jesus was crucified and his tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. However, John 19:41 states, "Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid." So, Scripture clearly indicates that the crucifixion and the tomb were close to each other. 3. 33 ~ 135 AD According to historians Eusebius and Socrates Scholasticus, the Christian community of Jerusalem held worship services at the site from shortly after the resurrection of Jesus until 66 AD. Additionally, according to tradition, the early Christian community of Jerusalem venerated the site of the crucifixion from the time of the resurrection until 135 AD, when Emperor Hadrian destroyed and rebuilt Jerusalem. Visiting the burial sites of rabbis was a common practice that is still done to this day by the Jews. Therefore, it is clear that the early Christians would have visited the place where Christ died and rose again as well. No one was like Jesus, so His followers knew exactly where Golgotha was and venerated it. There is no way this spot would have been lost or forgotten by them. For example, shortly after the resurrection of Christ, the Upper Room was converted into a church, and the apse (which is a half-round circle with a dome shape) pointed toward the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection place of Christ (where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today). This provides significant evidence that this place was venerated and visited early on after Christ's resurrection. Because this place was so important, the apse of the Upper Room Church pointed toward it and not the temple. Another interesting fact is that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre also contains burial tombs that date back to the time of Christ. They are of the type that were used from about 37 BC to around 70 AD. These tombs clearly indicate that this area had tombs and was outside the City of Jerusalem during the time of Christ, as regular people were not buried within the city. Lastly, during this period, from the time of Christ to 132 AD, a carving with an ancient Latin description was found here. It says, "Yes, Lord! We will go." This shows that early Christians venerated this place. 4. 41 ~ 44 AD About 10 years after the crucifixion of Christ, a wall was built by King Agrippa I that enclosed the area of Christ's execution and burial within the city. This accounts for why the Holy Sepulchre is located inside the Old City walls of Jerusalem today. 5. 132 ~ 135 AD The next major event that affected the site of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ was a major Jewish rebellion against the Romans called the Bar Kokhba revolt around 132 AD. Due to the revolt, the Roman Emperor Hadrian destroyed much of Jerusalem and altered its orientation. He renamed the city Aelia Capitolina and the country to Palestine. Aelia is derived from the emperor’s family name, and Capitolina refers to the cult of the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva). Palestine is a derivative of the Philistines. Hadrian's intent was to erase any connection the Jews had to their homeland. He desired to erase the Jewish connection to the land because of the Jews' continual rebellions and uprisings. He constructed a main street that ran north and south, called the Cardo Maximus (meaning "hinge" or "center axis"). He also desecrated the place of the crucifixion and resurrection that had been venerated by early Christians, and in its place, he built a large platform that filled in the quarry and erected upon it a large temple. Hadrian erected a statue of the Roman god Jupiter (equivalent to Zeus) over the tomb of Jesus, and a statue of Venus (equivalent to Aphrodite) over the site of his crucifixion. Hadrian was so intent on destroying any connection to the land by the Jews and the Christians that he buried all the evidence of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ under a platform that housed his large temple to Jupiter and Venus. Hadrian laid out the new City of Jerusalem so that the major streets led to his temple to Jupiter and Venus, which again were over the remains of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ. Coins have been discovered that depict the image of the temple that Hadrian built to Venus. 6. 160 AD The most compelling, and indeed the earliest witness to the local memory of the site of Jesus’ death and burial, comes through the testimony of Melito of Sardis. Melito was a very important figure in the history of the church, as he was the first to compile the Christian Canon of the Old Testament. In fact, he is the one who coined the term “Old Testament.” Melito affirms that the location of Golgotha was where Hadrian built a temple to the false god Venus. It is important to note that between 160 and 450 AD, six historians wrote about the location of the crucifixion site, and all of them place this event either under or in the vicinity of Hadrian’s Temple to Jupiter and Venus. 7. 185 – 254 AD Origen of Alexandria is also an eyewitness to the location of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the site of Golgotha. 8. 260 ~ 339 AD Eusebius, the bishop of Caesarea , Israel, provided a chronological account of the development of Early Christianity from the 1st century to the 4th century. He was an eyewitness to some of the events Hadrian did and wrote down what he saw. Regarding the desecration of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ, Eusebius says: "The Romans brought a quantity of earth from a distance with much labor and covered the entire spot and buried it. Then having raised this to a moderate height, they paved it with stone." What he described was the raised platform Hadrian built, upon which he erected his temple to Jupiter and Venus. This platform had retaining walls around it, some of which can still be seen inside the Church today. Additionally, some of the stairs leading up to the Temple of Hadrian can still be seen today in the lower part of the church to the east. Eusebius goes on to say, "The monument of his most holy passions so long ago buried beneath the ground." Here, he is describing the place where the crucifixion and tomb of Christ were buried. Hadrian also minted a coin depicting the temple he built upon Golgotha. Eusebius describes the destruction of Hadrian's temple by Constantine: "As soon as his [Constantine's] commands were given, these engines of deceit were cast down from their proud eminence to very ground and the dwelling places of error with the statues and the evil spirits which they represented were overthrown and utterly destroyed. Nor did the Emperor's zeal stop here, but he gave further orders that the materials of what was thus destroyed, both stone and timber, should be removed and thrown as far from the spot as possible, and this command also was speedily executed." Eusebius continues: "The emperor, however, was not satisfied with having proceeded thus far; once more fired with holy adjure, he directed that the ground itself should be dug up to come to a considerable depth and the soil which had been polluted by the foul impurities of demon worship transported to a far distant place. This was also accomplished without delay, and as soon as the original surface of the ground beneath the covering of the earth appeared, immediately the venerable and Holy Monument of our Savior's resurrection was discovered. Then indeed did the most holy cave [referring to the tomb] present a faithful similitude of his return to life and that after lying buried in darkness, it again emerged to light and afforded to all who came to witness a sight a clear and visible proof of the wonders of which that spot had once been seen, a testimony to the resurrection of the Savior clearer than any voice could give." Eusebius then speaks about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that Constantine built: "Accordingly, on the very spot which witnessed the Savior's suffering, a new Jerusalem was constructed where at the side opposite to the Sepulcher [Jesus's tomb] which was the eastern side, the church itself was erected, a noble work rising to a vast height and a great extent in length and breadth." Eusebius now describes the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Constantine: "Thereupon the Emperor issued sacred edicts, and when he had provided an abundant supply of all the things required for the project, he gave orders that a House of Prayer worthy of God should be erected round about the cave of salvation [he is speaking about the tomb], and on a scale of rich and imperial costliness to be greater than anything else that had been built on earth." So Constantine built a large mausoleum over the tomb's location. A mausoleum is a structure designed for burial or entombment above the ground. The temple of Hadrian would remain in place for another 200 years or so until the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. 9. 313 AD A major change happened in the Roman Empire when Constantine legalized Christianity. Later, because his mother was so passionate about Christ, she made a trip to the Holy Land to build churches over the main events of Christ’s life. She built the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives (currently known as the Pater Noster Church), the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Roman Emperor Constantine had the Temple of Hadrian, erected to Jupiter and Venus, demolished to make way for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. During the demolition process, the tomb and crucifixion site of Jesus were uncovered once again, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was subsequently erected. Additionally, Constantine's mother, Helena, is claimed to have discovered the relic of the Cross of Jesus at this time as well. The church was dedicated in 335 AD. The church was laid out in three sections: 1: Leading up from the Cardo was the church venerating the crucifixion site, also known as the Basilica of the Martyrium (taken from the word martyr). The apse of the church faced west. 2: The courtyard was called the triportico because it had three sides with covered walkways. Just outside the church, and before the mausoleum (with its rotunda dome), was an open courtyard. Just to the left was the crucifixion site of Christ. Now, I should mention that some believe the crucifixion site was located in the apse part of the Basilica of the Martyrium and not in the courtyard. However, the likelihood of the tomb's location and the crucifixion site being exactly aligned is unrealistic. It appears that the building was constructed in this manner for aesthetic reasons, rather than archaeological purposes. The remains of the rock of Golgotha are still preserved today and are located in the place where the courtyard once stood, not in the church itself, specifically in the apse area. 3: Just beyond the open courtyard was the large rotunda covering the tomb of Christ. This is also known as a mausoleum or anastasis. The tomb was initially carved out of the rock and preserved. You can see an example of this in Absalom's Monument in the Kidron Valley. The crypt, or cistern of the crosses, was under the Basilica of the Martyrium, venerating Golgotha. 10. 333 AD Another eyewitness account that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was located on the site of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ comes from the Pilgrim of Bardot: "On your left is a little hill of Golgotha where the Lord was crucified, about a stone's throw from it is the Crypt where they laid his body and from where he rose again on the third day. These are present by order of Constantine. There has been built a basilica that is a church of wondrous beauty." 11. 347 ~ 420 AD Jerome established a monastery at Bethlehem and translated the Old and New Testaments from Hebrew to Latin. Bethlehem is very close to Jerusalem, so Jerome was an eyewitness to the events he wrote about. Here's what Jerome tells us: "From the time of Hadrian to the reign of Constantine, the spot which had witnessed the resurrection was occupied by a figure of Jupiter while on the rock where the cross had stood a marble statue of Venus was set up by the heathen and became an object of worship. The original persecutors indeed suppose that by polluting our holy places, they would deprive us of our faith in the passion and in the resurrection." So Jerome confirms that from the time of Hadrian to Constantine, the temple Hadrian built was located on top of Golgotha. So, in the place where Christ died for the sins of humanity, Hadrian set up a temple to false gods who promoted deep immoral sins. What a contrast. 12. 380 AD A quote from another pilgrim's account of a worship service in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre states that: "I know you were eager to know about the services they have daily in the holy places, I shall tell you about them. When the first cock has crowed, the bishop straightaway enters and goes into the tomb and the anastasis [anastasis means resurrection and is the round rotunda dome place in the church over the tomb of Christ] and the whole crowd streams into the Anastasis which is already ablaze with many lamps. Then the bishop standing inside the screen takes the gospel and advances to the door of the tomb, where he himself reads the account of the Lord's resurrection. When the gospel is finished, the bishop comes out and is taken with hymns to the cross, and they all go with him to the great church, the martyrium. The people assemble in the great church built by Constantine upon Golgotha." 13. 400 AD Another amazing piece of evidence is found at the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana, which is recognized as the oldest place of Christian worship in Rome. In the apse of the building is a mosaic of Christ with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the background. So, we actually have an image of what Constantine's Church of the Holy Sepulchre looked like. This is strong evidence of the church's authenticity. 14. 550 AD In addition, more substantial evidence supporting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the true site of Golgotha is found in Madaba, Jordan. The Madaba Mosaic Map is part of a floor mosaic in the early Byzantine church of St. George in Madaba, Jordan. The map is of the Middle East, and part of it shows the oldest surviving original depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. On the map of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the center of the city. This reveals that the church existed and was venerated as the site of Jesus' death and resurrection by this time. 15. 614 ~ 638 AD The next significant change to the church occurred during the Persian conquest in , when it was pillaged and suffered significant damage. However, the monk Modestus restored it. According to tradition, the relic of the True Cross was also taken during this time and then recovered in 630 AD. In 638 AD, Jerusalem came under Muslim rule, but Christians could still make pilgrimages to the church. 16. 1009 AD The Muslim Caliph al-Hakim ordered all churches to be destroyed. This proved fatal for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was singled out in particular and destroyed beyond recognition. During the destruction of the church, the tomb of Christ was largely destroyed. However, some of the rock of the tomb and its location were still preserved. 17. 1048 AD The Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos and Patriarch Nicephorus of Constantinople again restored the church at great expense. 18. 1112 ~ 1187 AD The Crusaders renovated the church in 1112 AD and reconsecrated it in 1149 AD. Much of what is seen today of the church dates back to the Crusader renovations around 1112 AD, although portions of the original church of Constantine remain. As 12th-century maps reveal, the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was the spiritual center of Christendom and its most important pilgrimage site. The church was laid out so pilgrims could move from chapel to chapel, culminating in the Holy Sepulchre itself. The church that the Crusaders built included the courtyard where Golgotha was believed to have been, and enclosed everything under one roof within a magnificent cathedral. The entrance to the church was relocated from the east end to the south side of the building. Stairs and a platform were built at the level of Golgotha so pilgrims could be at the same level where Jesus was crucified. This stairway and platform still exist today. The Basilica of Helena, accessed from stairs leading downward, was built. This is the place where Helena is believed to have found the true Cross of Christ. It was initially in a hole under the quarry. The entrance to Calvary was located outside the church, with stairs leading upwards to a platform where all the events of the crucifixion were depicted. The Basilica of the Martyrium was transformed, and all its contents were housed under the cathedral's roof. The apse of the church Constantine built for the crucifixion site faced west; today, it faces east. The sites of the crucifixion and tomb have remained in the same places since the time of Christ. Only the buildings around them have changed. An Edicule was built over Christ's tomb, and within it is the Chapel of the Angels, as well as what remains of Christ's tomb. The right-hand door was blocked up after the Muslim reconquest of the city in 1187. Today, the entrance consists of a single large door. The three primary custodians of the church were appointed when the Crusaders ruled Jerusalem. They are the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic churches. In the 19th century, the Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syrian Orthodox also acquired responsibilities, albeit in a smaller capacity. Each church denomination agrees on the times and places of worship. A Muslim family has been given the key for opening and closing the church doors since 1187 AD, when Muslims seized control of Jerusalem. 19. 1808 After a fire, the last significant changes to the church took place around 1808 AD. The Edicule over the tomb was renovated. The central Catholicon was closed, which was once part of the courtyard of Constantine’s church. New stairs leading up to Calvary were changed from outside the church to inside. Today, you enter from just inside the church, turn right, and take steep stairs up to the platform of Calvary. The Edicule, or tomb of Christ, has been renovated several times since the Crusaders. It suffered an earthquake in 1927 and was subsequently shored up; then, in 2016, it underwent another renovation. 20. 2016 In 2016, when the marble slab over the traditional burial bench was removed inside the tomb of Christ edicule, researchers found the original limestone surface of the burial bed intact. Under the outer marble covering, they also found an older broken marble slab with a cross carved into it, resting directly on the limestone rock. This was important because many scholars wondered whether the tomb had been destroyed or moved over the centuries. 21. 2022 ~ Present In April of 2022, a stone slab was turned over during renovations, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. They identified unique decorations on this stone slab that combine Classical, Byzantine, and early Islamic art, featuring finely cut tiles of colorful marble used to fill in circular engravings on the stone. The stone slab stood at the apex of the sanctuary in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This provides further evidence that this site has been revered for millennia as the actual location of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Recent excavations beneath the church floor revealed that the area was originally a limestone quarry, with quarry marks visible in the bedrock. The Israel Antiquities Authority's preliminary report states that the exposed bedrock shows evidence of intensive quarrying throughout the area. This is important because the Gospel setting makes sense archaeologically: Golgotha and nearby tombs would have been outside the city wall in a reused quarry area, not in the middle of a normal residential neighborhood. Archaeobotanical analysis found remains connected with grapes, figs, cereals, grasses, and possibly olive trees. This is striking because John 19:41 says that “in the place where He was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb.” The finds do not “prove the resurrection,” but they do show that the traditional Holy Sepulchre area really did have garden or agricultural activity before Constantine’s church was built. Conclusion Because of all the adornments and construction over the centuries, it is hard to imagine how the site would have looked in Christ's time. However, these 2,000 years of activity and tradition give greater weight to its authenticity. Some people have an adverse reaction to the atmosphere inside the church. However, this is what we should expect from a place that has been venerated for two millennia. Now, in archaeology, one of the most important factors in locating an authentic site is having one thing built upon another. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has a history spanning approximately 2,000 years. All this provides overwhelming evidence that this is the genuine place where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead to pay for our sins. All the evidence and historical writings from eyewitnesses provide overwhelming support for the authenticity of this site. The true site of Golgotha should have all the evidence of the buildings described by all the eyewitness accounts, should match the historical records, archaeological discoveries, and have these remains visible to some extent today. There is only one place in the world that contains all this evidence, and it's the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The evidence is just so overwhelming that this is the true location of Golgotha. Here is the very place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and risen from the dead. It is, therefore, Christianity's most holy site. Places of Interest 1. Window Ladder The so-called "Immovable Ladder" under the window of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, made of Lebanese cedar wood, was in place by 1728 and has remained there ever since the 1757 status quo was established, aside from being temporarily moved twice. The ladder is referred to as immovable due to the agreement of the Status Quo, which states that no cleric of the six ecumenical Christian orders may move, rearrange, or alter any property without the consent of the other five orders. The six churches that oversee the church are: Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic churches are the primary overseers. The Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syrian Orthodox churches have less oversight. 2. The Chapel of the Franks ~ Via Dolorosa Station 10 According to Christian tradition, it's where Jesus was stripped of his clothes before crucifixion. This would make sense as the Romans usually crucified people naked. It is located to the right of the church entrance. It can be seen behind glass panels by going up the stairs. This place was formerly accessed from inside the church. Today, this door is closed, and the Chapel of the Franks can only be accessed from the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 3. Stairway Leading to Golgotha The place where Jesus was crucified was at the summit of a small hill. To ascend the hill of Golgotha today, you need to start at the entrance of the church, turn right, and climb up the 800-year-old stairs leading to Calvary (or Golgotha), the place where Jesus was crucified. This stairway and a platform were built by the Crusaders in around 1187 at the level of Golgotha so pilgrims could be at the same level where Jesus was crucified. 4. Chapel of the Nailing of the Cross ~ Via Dolorosa Station 11 This is where Jesus was nailed to the Cross. It features a 12th-century mosaic of Jesus being nailed to the cross. Here you see Jesus after having been nailed to the cross. Mary is wearing black, indicating that she is in mourning. It seems that the other two people in this mosaic are entirely symbolic. The person bowing before Jesus represents the bride of Christ, the Church, adorned in a pure white robe. The man with the nails is not a soldier because he is dressed in ordinary clothing. Luke 23:33: When the soldiers came to the place called “The Skull,” they nailed Jesus to a cross . They also nailed the two criminals to crosses, one on each side of Jesus. 5. Rock of Calvary The rock of Calvary can be seen under a glass cover on either side of the main altar. 6. Crucifixion Altar ~ Via Dolorosa Station 12 This is where Christ was crucified. A silver disk, with a central hole, lies underneath the altar, marking the place where the Cross stood. On each side of the altar is the bedrock from the original site of Golgotha. Beneath the altar is a hole that permits people to touch the rock of Golgotha. John 19:18-19: There they crucified Him , and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. 19 Now Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written: “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 7. Shrine of Mary ~ Via Dolorosa Station 13 Between stations 11 and 12 of the Via Dolorosa is a shrine of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with a spear piercing her heart. This is also the believed place where the body of Jesus was taken down from the Cross. Luke 2:34-35: And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul —to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 8. Chapel of Adam This chapel enshrines a cracked slab of rock behind glass, which is believed to have been caused by the earthquake after Christ died on the Cross. Just outside the chapel, part of the original rock of Golgotha can also be seen. Matthew 27:50-53: And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 Also, the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 9. T he Stone of Unction Located just after entering the church, it commemorates the preparation of Jesus' body for burial. Behind the Stone is a mosaic depicting Christ's anointing for burial. Matthew 27:59-60: And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth , 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. Just above the Stone of Unction is a large mosaic showing a timeline of the events of the death, anointing, and burial of Jesus. 10. Mourning Place An Armenian Shrine, also known as the Chapel of the Three Marys. It marks the place where they watched the crucifixion of Christ. John 19:25: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 11. Tomb of Jesus ~ Via Dolorosa Station 14 Underneath the large dome of the church (Rotunda) is the Tomb of Jesus. It is housed in a large shrine referred to as an Edicule. In the first room of the tomb is a rock in a case on a table. It is believed to be part of the original stone that was rolled to seal the tomb. In the second room of the burial tomb is bedrock from the original tomb. To the right is the bench where the body of Jesus would have been laid. Matthew 27:57-60: Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock ; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. Matthew 28:5-6: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen , just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” In 2016, an archaeological team was granted permission to lift the marble slate covering the tomb, and an older marble slab with a carved cross was discovered beneath it. Underneath it was the original limestone burial bed of Christ. 12. Coptic Chapel Around the back side of the Tomb of the Edicule is the small Chapel of the Coptic Church – the Orthodox Church of Egypt. Probably the most interesting aspect of this small chapel is what lies beneath the altar. Under it is an exposed portion of the original rock that surrounded the tomb of Jesus, which Joseph of Arimathea built. 13. Syrian Chapel ~ First Century Tombs The chapel is located within the original 4th-century walls of Constantine's church. This room is used every Sunday for worship by the Syrian Orthodox Church, which claims to be the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Syrian church worships in the first-century language of Aramaic, and its Bible is written in the Syriac language, which is closely related to Aramaic. According to tradition, the Apostles Peter and John are considered the founders of the Syrian Church, which originated in the first century in the city of Antioch. It was here, as recorded in Acts 11:26, that the followers of Christ were first referred to as Christians. There are five tombs in this room that date back to the first century. Three of them are blocked, as if they have no significance. A decorative arch surrounds the two open tombs in the middle. That means these tombs were reserved for individuals of special status. It's believed that these were the tombs of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, members of the Jewish ruling council who were secret disciples of Christ, and who laid Him in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. 14. The Catholicon It was the central part of the Crusader Church. It's the largest chapel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the main prayer hall of the Greek Orthodox church in Jerusalem. At the front of the chapel is a short, rose-colored marble basin containing a circular stone marked with a cross. It’s called the Omphalos, a word that means navel. It has been here for almost 1,000 years. The Orthodox Church teaches that the place where Jesus died and rose from the dead is the center of the world. A specific spot, known as the Omphalos, is situated exactly halfway between the cross and the tomb. They believe this spot is the spiritual center of the entire universe. This throne, located on the right side of the chapel, is reserved for the priest who oversees the Greek Orthodox Church in the Holy Land. He is called the Patriarch of Jerusalem. The throne on the left side of the chapel is dedicated to the Patriarch of Antioch, a city located in southern Turkey. The lecterns on each side of the chapel are called the Analogion. It is where the priest reads Scripture and leads his congregation in song and holy liturgy during Orthodox worship services. The wall in the front of the church is called an iconostasis, or icon stand, and virtually every Greek Orthodox church in the world has one. The iconostasis symbolically separates the main worship hall, which represents all of us on earth, from the sanctuary and the main altar behind the wall, which represents heaven. 15. Chapel of Mary Magdalene In between the rotunda of the church and the Arches of the Virgin is the Roman Catholic Chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene. This chapel is believed to be the site where Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. Above the altar in this chapel is a bronze statue depicting the encounter of Mary Magdalene with Jesus. High on the opposite side is the pipe organ that accompanies the worship services celebrated here. The tiles on the floor are new, but they are laid in the same pattern that they were in the 11th century. The circle with the rays represents the location where Jesus stood when He and Mary first encountered each other after His resurrection, and the three concentric circles represent the positions where Mary Magdalene stood when she saw Him. 16. Chapel of the Apparition It's approximately 1,000 years old and in the custody of the Franciscan Catholic community in Jerusalem. On the front left side of the church, a sculpture depicts Jesus appearing to His mother shortly after His resurrection. This appearance of Jesus to his mother is not recorded in the Bible. It’s a legend that was first mentioned in the third century. In this chapel is a column of stone believed by many to be part of the pillar to which Jesus was tied as the Roman soldiers whipped Him. On the far side of this room is a bronze statue on the wall, showing all fourteen stations of the cross – from the point at which Jesus was condemned by Pontius Pilate to die, to the tomb where He was buried, and from which He rose from the dead. 17. Arches of the Virgin Mary This is a long gallery under the custody of the Franciscan Catholics in the Holy Land. It’s called the Arches of the Virgin because it commemorates the moment Mary visited the tomb of Jesus, where He appeared to her after His resurrection. This legendary appearance to Mary is not mentioned in the Bible, but found in historical accounts from two ancient sources from the third century AD. The northern wall of this gallery is part of the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built by Constantine. There are holes in this wall that once supported large marble panels that adorned the rotunda over the Tomb of Jesus. 18. Chapel of the Prison of Jesus This chapel is under the authority of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the remnants of this prison was this leg stock, where a prisoner’s legs would have been slipped through these holes, and then shackled at the ankles, so that the prisoner could not escape. It is unlikely that this prison existed during the crucifixion of Jesus, as it was located outside the city walls, and there is no mention in the Gospels of Jesus spending time in a prison at Golgotha. It is believed that Jesus was imprisoned for the night at the House of the High Priest, Caiaphas. However, not here at Golgotha. Today, this prison serves as a commemorative chapel where one can pray and contemplate the imprisonment of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion. 19. The Ambulatory There is a long, curved hallway that runs around the church behind the main worship hall, the Catholicon. This hallway is called the Ambulatory. When you walk through it, starting from the Chapel of Adam, it is like a little miniature Via Dolorosa. There are three chapels on the right side of this hallway, and they tell the story of Jesus' sufferings in chronological order, from right to left. Chapel of Derision Chapel of the Parting of the Robes Chapel of Longinus 20. Chapel of the Derision This place commemorates the people who derided Jesus by mocking and laughing at him while He hung on the Cross. The Paintings in the Chapel of the Derision. Each picture is a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy. The picture on the right shows Jesus during one of His trials, where the Jewish rulers are mocking him. This was a fulfillment of verses from Psalm 27 and Psalm 35. The middle picture shows Jesus seated on this granite pillar, with the crown of thorns placed on His head. That was a fulfillment of prophecies in Psalms 35, 69, and Isaiah 50. The picture on the left shows Jesus walking through a crowd that is jeering and yelling at Him. That is a fulfillment of verses from Psalm 7 and Isaiah 53. Matthew 27:39-44: And those passing by were speaking abusively to Him , shaking their heads, 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way, the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, 42 “He saved others; He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has trusted in God; let God rescue Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the rebels who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him in the same way. 21. Chapel of the Division of the Robes While Jesus hung on the cross, the Roman soldiers tore His robe up into four parts. This was foretold in Psalm 22:18: They divide my garments among them, and they cast lots for my clothing. The soldiers divided up Jesus’ outer garment into four parts, and then had a kind of lottery drawing to see which one of them would walk away with His tunic, which He wore under His robe. His tunic didn’t have any seams. It was woven into one piece. Mark 15:24: And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves , casting lots for them to decide what each man would take. 22. St Longinus Chapel Longinus was the believed Roman Centurion who commanded the soldiers that stood watch at Golgotha. He was an eyewitness to Jesus' final moments and proclaimed that Jesus was truly the Son of God. An ancient source from the fourth century claims the soldier's name was Longinus. John 19:32-34: So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other who was crucified with Him; 33 but after they came to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 Yet one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear , and immediately blood and water came out. Whatever happened to this soldier named Longinus? Tradition tells us that Longinus became a believer in Christ, probably not just because of this earthquake, but also because, as a soldier, he likely heard that this same Jesus rose from the dead three days later. Matthew 27:54: Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God !” Today, Longinus is revered as a saint in many Christian denominations because he is believed to have converted to Christianity after the crucifixion of Jesus. That’s why there is a large statue of Longinus in Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Rome today. Tradition tells us that Longinus was martyred in Cappadocia. 23. Chapel of St. Helena Descending the stairs into this chapel, ancient crosses carved into the walls from the 1100s can be seen. These stairs weren't always here. In the original church, this area was just a tunnel that led down to the foundation of the church that Helena built. After Christianity was legalized in 325 AD, the Empress Helena tore down the pagan temple Hadrian had built over Golgotha. That process exposed the area of this chapel. At the time, she did the same thing that Hadrian did 200 years earlier. She used this room as a foundation for the church that she built above it. To the left of the chapel, part of a structural wall Hadrian built can be seen today. The Chapel of Saint Helena was named after the mother of the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine the Great. In 326 AD, Constantine sent Helena to the Holy Land in her late 70s to build churches on Christianity’s most holy sites, beginning with this location. It was the Crusaders who gave this chapel its common name, but the current custodians of the chapel, the Armenian Apostolic Church, renamed this chapel after their patron Saint. They now refer to it as the Chapel of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Saint Gregory is the most important saint for the Armenian Apostolic Church. In 301 AD, he convinced the king of Armenia to adopt Christianity. After that, the entire nation of Armenia switched from the pagan religion of Zoroastrianism to Christianity. The three large paintings on the north wall of this room tell his story. The Altar of Saint Helena (also known to the Armenians as the Altar of Saint Gregory). This altar was dedicated to Saint Helena. The Armenian Apostolic Church operates this chapel, and you will find a large mosaic on the floor depicting nine historic Armenian churches. Although the mosaic appears ancient, it was actually created in the 1970s. The Altar of the Penitent Thief is located to the left of the chapel. 24. Chapel of the Discovery of the Cross Going down some stairs located on the right side of the chapel is a room called the Chapel of the Discovery of the Cross. Tradition claims that this is where Saint Helena discovered the "True Cross" on which Jesus is said to have died. Why was the cross left here? This room was once a large underground cistern that collected water for the garden. You can still see the hole in the ceiling where people lowered buckets to get water. Tradition claims that local Christians told Helena that the Cross had been thrown into this old water cistern on the day Jesus died. Why was it thrown in this cistern? Jesus died at 3:00 PM, and the Jewish holy day (the Sabbath) began at 6:00 PM. Jewish law required that everything be buried or cleaned up before the Sabbath started. This gave Jesus’s followers only three hours to bury him and get rid of the bloody crosses. Because they were in a rush, they likely threw the crosses into this nearby cistern. Supposedly, the crosses stayed hidden here until Helena found them in 326 AD. If you look at the ceiling, you can see straight cuts in the rock. This is because, long before it was a cistern, this room was a stone quarry where workers extracted stone for building construction. Later, the old quarry was transformed into a garden, which is mentioned in the Bible (John 19:41). Ultimately, this space was converted into a cistern to supply water for the garden. The left side of this chapel is under the custody of the Catholics, whose altar features a life-sized statue of the Empress Helena holding a cross. The exact place where it is said that Helena found the three crosses is believed to be behind the metal altar railing. 25. Chapel of Saint Vartan This chapel is normally closed to the public, and special arrangements must be made to see it. This chapel is at the deepest part of the church. Throughout the centuries, the wall adjacent to the Altar of the Penitent Thief in the Chapel of Saint Helena was merely a wall. In the 1970s, a hole was made in the wall, and when they broke through, they discovered archaeological ruins that date back almost 2,700 years. The first room was part of a rock quarry that provided the building stones for Solomon’s Temple (960 BC) and other building projects in Jerusalem. A wall containing a boat drawing was part of the foundation of the temple to the false gods that Hadrian built on this site in 135 AD. The only remnants of this ancient temple are in this chapel and the Russian Church of Alexander Nevsky next door. Sometime between 325 AD—after Helena demolished Hadrian’s temple to the false gods—and the completion of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre about eleven years later, a pilgrim made his way to Jerusalem. He had traveled by boat from the western regions of the Roman Empire. Upon reaching this sacred place, he etched a drawing of his vessel onto the wall. Alongside it, in Latin, he inscribed the words: "Domine, imus"—“Lord, we go.” This phrase likely echoes Psalm 122:1: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” His journey had brought him to the gates of Jerusalem—and he marked the moment in stone. Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Bible 1. Jesus arrives at Golgotha and is stripped of His garments (Station 10 of the Via Dolorosa; for all stations, see Via Dolorosa). John 19:23–24: When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” 2. Jesus is nailed to the Cross (Station 11). John 19:17–18: And he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 3. Jesus dies on the Cross (Station 12). Luke 23:44–45: It was now about the sixth hour [12:00 pm], and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour [3:00 pm], 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last.” 4. Jesus' body is removed from the Cross (Station 13). John 19:38–40: After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 5. Jesus is placed in the tomb (Station 14). John 19:41–42: Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. 6. Jesus rises from the dead. Matthew 28:5–6: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” Faith Lesson from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre 1. While we might disagree with the decorations and atmosphere of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, do we appreciate all the devotion and sacrifice that have been made to remember and commemorate all Jesus did for us on the Cross? 2. The fact that this place, along with many others, has been preserved and set aside to honor Christ and the events of the Bible provides powerful evidence regarding the historicity of Christ and the truthfulness of the Bible. Do we truly believe the Bible and everything written in it? 3. This is the believed place where Christ gave His life for each one of us. Have we received Christ's gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him in paradise? 4. Are we grateful for the price Jesus paid to save us and have a living relationship with us?

At the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ began 18 hours of grueling and painful suffering that would end at the Cross. Learn about all that happened along with the history of the Church of All Nations. The Garden of Gethsemane, located at the base of the Mount of Olives, is the place Jesus sweat drops of blood and was arrested. Learn all about this site. Gethsemane & Church of All Nations Photo Gallery Places of Interest Garden of Gethsemane & Church of All Nations Introduction The Garden of Gethsemane is the place where Jesus spent His last hours before being crucified for our sins. 1. It was here in this area that Jesus' sweat would become like drops of blood. 2. It was here that He would be arrested and begin His path to the cross. 3. Gethsemane comes from the Hebrew words "gat," which means press, and "shemanim," which means oil. So, it was an oil press. However, in this case, it was an oil press for pressing olives into olive oil. 4. In the same way olives were pressed and crushed, Jesus would be pressed and crushed here as well. 5. Inside the church is the rock upon which Jesus prayed, and His sweat became like blood falling to the ground. 6. In this place, Christ taught us how to overcome temptation, as He prayed three times in the midst of His struggle. 7. Let's allow the somberness of this place to grip us as we experience it and walk in the footsteps of Christ and His suffering for us. Location 1. The Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations are located at the base of the Mount of Olives. 2. The Church of All Nations is built over the rock on which Jesus is believed to have prayed in agony the night He was arrested and then condemned to crucifixion. 3. How do we know Jesus prayed in this exact spot? We can’t prove it for sure, but there are strong clues. When Christianity became legal, a Byzantine church was built here in around 350 AD. That suggests early Christians already believed this was the place where Jesus prayed. Luke 22:41 says Jesus went “about a stone’s throw ” away from where the three disciples were sleeping in the Gethsemane Cave Grotto. The distance from the Garden of Gethsemane to the rock in the center of this church fits that “stone’s throw ” description. Historical Background 1. Gethsemane comes from the Hebrew words gat-גת (“press”) and shemanim שמנים- (“oils”). 2. At the base of the Mount of Olives, there was a garden where Jerusalem farmers would bring their harvested olives to be pressed into oil. 3. The name Gethsemane is significant because it underscores the essence of Jesus’ suffering at the time of his arrest. Like an olive in a press, Jesus’ life was squeezed out of him. The Scripture says, “Being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground ” (Luke 22:44). Through this, we see that by understanding the Hebrew names of places, we gain access to the true inner meaning of the story of Jesus’ arrest. 4. Early believers marked out this site soon after Jesus' death and resurrection and venerated it. 5. Later, when Christianity became the formal religion of the Roman Empire, churches were allowed to be built, and a Byzantine church was built here around 350 AD. However, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 746 AD. 6. In the 12th century, a Crusader chapel was built over the Byzantine church and later abandoned in 1345 AD when the Muslims took over the Holy Land from the Crusaders. 7. The current church, the Church of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, was consecrated in 1924. A diagram outside the church shows the history of this site. 8. It is a Catholic Franciscan church and was built using donations from 12 nations. Therefore, it is called the Church of All Nations. 9. Gethsemane means “Oil Press” in Hebrew. The primary source of oil in Israel was from olives, so it is also known as an olive press. 10. It was an olive orchard with an olive press in it. As a result, it became known as the Garden of Gethsemane. 11. How fitting it would be called Gethsemane, as Christ would be pressed here beyond measure. Even to the point of His sweat becoming like drops of blood. Places of Interest 1. In 2012, scientists used radiocarbon testing on three of the olive trees in this garden and found that the trees themselves are no older than about 900 years. DNA testing also showed that the trees are closely related and likely came from cuttings of the same original tree. An earlier 1982 study suggested the roots under these trees could be about 2,300 years old. Olive trees can regrow from old roots after the trunk is cut down, so it’s possible that the roots in this garden were already here in the time of Jesus. 2. At the top of the church's exterior are two bronze deer. They are a reference to Psalm 42:1, which says, “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs for You, Oh God.” 3. Just below the two deer is a mural depicting Jesus in the center, with God the Father above Him, alongside angels and people. 4. There are also four pillar columns, each representing an author of the four Gospels. 4. Just before entering the church, a diagram is displayed showing the site's history, dating back to Jesus' time. 5. The church's roof has 12 domes, one for each country that donated to its construction costs. 6. The dim lighting in the church gives a sense of the night in which Christ prayed in agony. 7. Glass plates on the floor of the church, where mosaics of the Byzantine Church from the 4th Century can be seen. 8. The rock inside the church upon which Jesus prayed in agony. How do we know that Jesus prayed on this particular spot? The fact that a fourth-century Byzantine church was built here as soon as Christianity became legal suggests that there was an earlier belief that Jesus had prayed here. The cups and two young pigeons. Notice that the cups are placed on each side of this rock, where visitors pray, recalling the moment when, in Matthew 20:23, Jesus said to His disciples, “Indeed you will drink from my cup. ” The pair of silver doves and the two young pigeons are birds mentioned in Luke 2:24, as the ritual sacrifice that Mary and Joseph were required to offer after Jesus was born. This Jewish ritual foreshadowed the sacrifice that Christ Himself would ultimately become. 9. The mosaic in the left apse. The mosaic on the left shows Judas kissing Jesus, which was his way of identifying the Son of God to the mob that came out to arrest Him. This act of betrayal in the garden was a fulfillment of Psalm 41:9, which says, “Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me .” 10. The Mosaic in the central apse. The middle mosaic shows Jesus praying on the rock of Agony. He knew that He was about to experience an excruciating death, and the Gospel of Luke tells us that His anguish was so intense that His perspiration was like great drops of blood. 11. The mosaic in the right apse. This mosaic on the right shows Jesus being arrested by the Jewish Temple guards. 12. Outside the church in the walkway, on the southeast corner of the garden, there is a rock. This is called the Rock of the Apostles, allegedly near the place where Peter, James, and John slept. 13. A stone with the image of Jesus praying, known as the Rock of the Apostles, is allegedly located near the place where Peter, James, and John are said to have slept. 14. At one time, there was a marble column next to the Rock of the Apostles called the “Kiss of Judas.” It marked the moment when Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek. That column has now been moved to the west side of the road, just behind the Basilica of the Agony. 15. Just a short distance away, located near the Church of the Tomb of Mary, is the cave where the Olive Press would have been situated and where the disciples and Jesus would have gathered before Jesus was arrested. Garden of Gethsemane in the Bible 1. Jesus spent His last evening on earth praying in great agony before His crucifixion the following day. Luke 12:50: I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 2. Christ became sorrowful, even to the point of death. Matthew 26:36–39: Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Prayers that are prayed in the valleys of life often sound more like the first part of Jesus’ Gethsemane prayer. That is, “Father, deliver me from this trial .” However, as we seek a physical solution to our problems, we must, like Jesus, surrender ourselves to God’s perfect will for our lives, whatever it may be. We need to trust God, knowing His ultimate plan is best, and based on His love for us. 3. Christ taught us how to overcome temptation. Matthew 26:40–41: And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 4. Christ departed and prayed a second time. Matthew 26:42–43: Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 5. Christ prayed a third time. Matthew 26:44: So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Interestingly, Christ prayed three times. Olives were also pressed three times. The first press was called virgin oil and used for religious purposes. The second press was used for cooking, ointments, healing, and other purposes. The third press was used for oil lamps, lubrication, and other applications. 6. Christ’s sweat became like great drops of blood. Luke 22:43–44: And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” 7. Christ was arrested and taken captive by the Jews. Matthew 26:45–50: Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand." 47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 8. Jesus voluntarily surrendered to the Jews. Matthew 26:51–56: And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels [60,000 angels]? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him and fled.” In the Old Testament, one angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. This means 12 legions of angels (60,000) could have killed 11 billion people. This is more than the entire earth’s current population. The earth’s population during the time of Christ was only around 300 million. Faith Lesson from the Garden of Gethsemane 1. The spiritual weight of paying for the sins of the world was far greater to bear than Christ’s physical sufferings. Have we really contemplated the price Christ paid for our salvation? 2. Christ taught us to overcome temptation through prayer. Do we follow His example? 3. If there is no hell, then the suffering of Christ has little purpose. Do we believe in hell and speak about it, or do we avoid it? 4. Christ provided us with the perfect example of how we should choose God’s will over our own. In the same way Christ submitted to the will of the Father, do we submit to God as well? 5. Olives are useless unless they are crushed. Christ's primary purpose in His first coming was to be crushed for our sins. If He hadn't fulfilled and submitted to God's will for Him, it all would have been useless. 6. Jesus is the only man in history who was born to die. Yet, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He pleaded with His Father for release from this death sentence. Still, He never lost sight of His mission. He concluded His prayer with the words, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” Where have we heard these words before? They echo the Lord’s Prayer, which He had taught His disciples just months earlier on the heights of this same mountain. There, He instructed them to pray, “Thy will be done.” Now, in the valley of suffering and anguish, He Himself is praying that very prayer. Our prayers in life’s valleys often sound like the first part of Jesus' plea in Gethsemane: “Father, deliver me from this trial.” But while we seek escape or solutions, we too must learn, as Jesus did, to yield to God’s will—trusting it to be perfect, even when it feels uncertain or beyond our understanding. 7. We also become more useful as a result of the trials in life that crush us. Are we willing to submit to God and allow Him to crush us so we can be more useful? James 1:2-4: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Hebrews 12:10-11: For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Pilate's Palace, also known as Pilate's Praetorium, or the Governor's Headquarters, is the place where Jesus was tried by Pilate and condemned to crucifixion on a cross. Trial of Jesus: Herod/Pilate's Palace Photo Gallery Places of Interest Trial of Jesus: Herod/Pilate's Palace Introduction Welcome to this site of Herod's Palace. This is an incredible place to experience and explore. 1. It was used by all succeeding governors and leaders when they resided in Jerusalem. It was a massive fortified complex and likely had a cohort of 500 soldiers. 2. It is the best candidate for where the trial of Jesus took place. 3. In the 1970s, all along the western wall of Jerusalem was buried. 4. Notice the change in color of the wall. Partway up, it turns darker. This is the dirt line where it was covered. 5. When this was all excavated, they absolutely uncovered a gold mine, archaeologically speaking. Why? Because we have everything, biblically and archaeologically, that perfectly matches where the trial of Jesus took place. 6. We're going to explore and show you all about this right here. 7. Here are the highlights of what we'll see. Gate Entrance to Pilate’s Palace Steps Leading Up to the Gate Entrance to Pilate's Palace Preserved Stone Pavement Preserved Wall of Herod the Great Bema Seat – Judgment Seat Bema Seat Stone Additional Level with Stone Pavement 8. Afterward, we'll relive and experience from the Bible what happened here. 9. Let's explore and experience this site. Location 1. John 18:28–29: “Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium [governor's headquarters, ESV; palace of the Roman governor, NIV], and it was early; and they themselves did not enter the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 29 Therefore Pilate came out to them and said, “What accusation are you bringing against this Man?” 2. The words praetorium, governor's headquarters, and palace all refer to the same location. These same words describe where the Apostle Paul was kept in custody at Herod's Palace or Praetorium (Acts 23:35). The best translation seems to be "palace." 3. Where was Pilate's Palace, also known as Pilate’s Praetorium or headquarters, located? Some believe it was located at the Antonia Fortress. I once thought this as well. However, after conducting extensive research and considering the archaeological evidence, I now believe the best option is Pilate’s Palace, situated just south of the Jaffa Gate. Pilate’s Palace was first built and used by King Herod, and later by Pilate and other Roman governors. 4. Herod's Palace Fortress in Jerusalem is located adjacent to the western city wall of Old Jerusalem, which now encompasses the Armenian Quarter. It begins at the Kishle building and ends at the current line of the modern (Ottoman-era) wall west of Zion Gate. It consisted mainly of two palace wings, north and south, and had a large garden between them. In the area of the Citadel of David and Jaffa Gate, just north of Pilate’s Palace, Herod erected three massive towers for additional protection against impending danger. It should be noted that Pilate’s Palace was originally Herod’s Palace. 5. In the 1970s, the western wall of the city was excavated from the Jaffa Gate to the northwest corner. This particular area was overseen by Magen Broshi and Shimon Gibson. The excavation line can be seen in the wall today by noting where it turns darker. This darker part was covered by dirt until it was unearthed. 6. If the location of the trial of Jesus took place at Pilate's Palace, then the location of the Via Dolorosa would be different from what it is today. You can see in the Google map above where the likely route could have been. This route would have led Jesus inside the city walls at the Jaffa Gate and outside the city walls to Calvary (modern-day Church of the Holy Sepulchre) through the Gennath Gate. This is the most likely route, as the Romans subjected their criminals to the utmost humiliation to deter others from committing the same offenses. Of course, in the case of Christ, He was entirely innocent, and the Jews and the Romans were the actual criminals. Historical Background 1. Herod's Palace at Jerusalem was built in the last quarter of the 1st century BC by Herod the Great, King of Judea from 37 to 4 BC. It was Jerusalem's second most important building after the Temple itself. 2. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea, appointed by the emperor of Rome. He lived in Caesarea Maritima, the capital of the Roman province of Judea, but when he was in Jerusalem, he resided at Herod’s Palace, which served as the praetorium, or governor’s palace. 3. As mentioned, some believe Pilate’s Palace was at the Antonia Fortress. This belief appears to be based on the notion that the Roman governor would have resided within the barracks of the Antonia Fortress. However, ancient sources and accounts, such as those of Josephus and Philo, indicate that the Praetorium of Jerusalem was the former palace of Herod the Great, just south of the Jaffa Gate. At the Praetorium, Jesus stood on the “Stone Pavement,” or Gabbatha, while Pilate took his place at the bema, or “judgment seat” (John 19:8-13). There is no record of any judgment seat at the Antonia Fortress. Also, Jesus repeatedly went in and out of the Praetorium. There is no record of a gate next to a judgment seat at the Antonia Fortress. 4. According to reliable sources, the governor’s residence in Jerusalem was the complex of the former palace of Herod the Great, which was located on the western side of the current Old City of Jerusalem. Josephus related that the Roman governor, Florus, took up residence in Jerusalem at the former palace of Herod the Great, where the bema was located. Philo also indicated that the Praetorium was located in Herod's palace, as Pilate had initially installed the golden shields for Tiberius. The Gospel of Mark records that at the trial of Jesus, the Roman soldiers took Jesus into the palace, which is the Praetorium (Mark 15:16). 5. Because of archaeological excavations, the Praetorium, its pavement, the bema, or judgment seat, and one of the gates can be seen today. These provide historical context for the trial of Jesus and demonstrate the accuracy of the Gospel accounts of this event. 6. Excavations dating from 1999–2000 underneath an abandoned Ottoman-period prison known as the Kishle, which is part of the Tower of David complex, Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist Amit Re’em uncovered the foundation walls and sewage system of Herod’s Palace in Jerusalem. Tours can be taken at the Tower of David Museum, which showcases these findings. 7. Jewish historian Josephus tells us that Herod’s Palace Complex in Jerusalem was built in the last quarter of the first century BC and comprised a palace with two wings divided by pools and gardens. It was protected by three large towers on the northwestern corner of the complex. Excavations conducted by various archaeological teams since the 1960s have uncovered remains of the palace foundations. However, very little of the actual walls and buildings has been found. This presents no problem and can easily be accounted for due to the many destructions of Jerusalem over the centuries. 8. Using a similar construction style as Herod’s Temple Mount, Herod's Palace was constructed on an elevated platform of retaining walls rising 13 to 16 feet (4.5 m) above ground level. Its measurements were about 1,000 feet long (304 m), running north to south, and 180 feet wide (56 m), running east to west. As mentioned, it consisted of two main buildings, each with its own banquet halls, baths, and accommodations for hundreds of guests. The two wings were named after Agrippa and Caesar. In the center of the palace were gardens with porticoes, statues, idols, and so forth. The grounds included groves, canals, and ponds fitted with bronze fountains. After Herod's death, the praetorium in the palace became the official residence for Roman governors when they visited Jerusalem during major Jewish festivals. For this reason, this site was most likely where Pontius Pilate resided and where Jesus's trial took place. 9. Besides a Roman cohort (about 400–500) of soldiers stationed at the Antonia Fortress, many Roman soldiers were stationed at Pilate’s Palace Complex. There were also Roman soldier encampments around the city when needed. 10. There was a gate leading out of the Palace Complex on the western side for security purposes. This gate also served as an escape route that Herod and others would have used if the palace were attacked from within. In this area, Simon of Cyrene, arriving from the open country, was compelled to carry Christ's cross. There was no open country access around the Antonia Fortress, so this is another big piece of evidence that Pilate’s Palace is the actual site of Jesus' trial. Eyewitness Accounts Stating This Was Herod's Palace, Later Used by Pontius Pilate 1. Josephus wrote, "Adjoining and on the inner side of these towers, which lay to the north of it, was the king's (Herod's) Palace ." The towers refer to those on the northern side of the palace, built by Herod the Great for protection. 2. Philo, a Jewish philosopher born in 25 BC, says, "Pilate was appointed governor of Judea. He dedicated some guilt shields in the Palace of Herod , in the holy city." This statement connects Pilate to Herod's Palace. This means that the succeeding governors would also use Herod's Palace as their headquarters. This would make sense as it was a fortress surrounded by walls, housing many soldiers. 3. Additionally, during the Byzantine Period (314 - 638 AD), this place was commemorated as the site where Jesus stood trial before Pilate. This tradition was likely built on the belief of earlier Christians who knew the location of Jesus' trial. This is strong evidence indicating this is the authentic site. Places of Interest 1. Herod-Pilate's Palace Complex Palace Fortress Towers Courtyard Soldier Barracks Stone Walls from the Time of Jesus 2. Dirt Level Before Excavation of This Site In the 1970s, the city's western wall was excavated from the Jaffa Gate to the southwest corner. 3. Open Country Simon of Cyrene is obligated to carry Christ's cross. He is coming from outside the city when this takes place. Luke 23:26: And when they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, as he was coming in from the country , and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus. 4. Entrance Walls and Steps Leading Up to Pilate's Palace and the Judgment Seat Area 5. Preserved Stone Pavement (Gabbatha) John 19:13: Therefore, when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out , and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement —but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 6. Gate Entrance to Pilate’s Palace 7. Steps Leading Up to the Gate Entrance to Pilate's Palace 8. Preserved Wall of Herod the Great 9. Bema Seat – Judgment Seat John 19:13: Therefore, when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out , and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement—but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 10. Bema Seat Stone 11. Additional Level with Stone Pavement 12. Jaffa Gate 13. Citadel of David 14. Three Towers Herod Erected 15. House of Caiaphas 16. Likely Route of the True Via Dolorosa 17. Golgotha ~ Church of the Holy Sepulchre Herod~Pilate's Palace in the Bible 1. The Wise Men from the East most likely came here before King Herod to inquire where the Messiah was to be born. Matthew 2:1-4: Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 2. Jesus was brought before Pilate outside Pilate's Palace by the Jewish leaders. John 18:28–29: Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium [governor's headquarters, ESV; the palace of the Roman governor, NIV], and it was early; and they themselves did not enter the Praetorium , so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 29 Therefore Pilate came out to them and said, "What accusation are you bringing against this Man?" 3. The Jewish leaders seek the death penalty for Jesus by crucifixion. John 18:30-31: They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not a criminal, we would not have handed Him over to you." 31 So Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law." The Jews said to him, "We are not permitted to put anyone to death." 32 This happened so that the word of Jesus which He said, indicating what kind of death He was going to die, would be fulfilled." 4. Pilate talks with Jesus inside his palace. John 18:33: Therefore Pilate entered the Praetorium again, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, "You are the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you about Me?" 5. Pilate comes outside his palace and speaks again with the Jewish leaders. John 18:38: And after saying this, he came out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no grounds at all for charges in His case. 6. Pilate has Jesus flogged inside his palace. John 19:1–3: So Pilate then took Jesus and had Him flogged. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and placed it on His head, and put a purple cloak on Him; 3 and they repeatedly came up to Him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapped Him in the face again and again. 7. Pilate comes out again with Jesus to the Jewish leaders after flogging Jesus. John 19:4–7: And then Pilate came out again and said to them, "See, I am bringing Him out to you so that you will know that I find no grounds at all for charges in His case." 5 Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, "Behold, the Man!" 6 So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they shouted, saying, "Crucify, crucify!" Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves and crucify Him; for I find no grounds for charges in His case!" 7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law He ought to die, because He made Himself out to be the Son of God!" 8. Pilate goes back inside his palace and speaks with Jesus again. John 19:8–12: Therefore, when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; 9 and he entered the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are You from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to Him, "Are you not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?" 11 Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over Me at all, if it had not been given to you from above; for this reason, the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin." 12 As a result of this, Pilate made efforts to release Him; but the Jews shouted, saying, "If you release this Man, you are not a friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar!" 9. Pilate comes out again with Jesus and speaks to the Jewish Leaders. John 19:13: Therefore, when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out , and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement—but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 10. Simon of Cyrene is obligated to carry Christ's cross. He is coming from outside the city when this takes place. Luke 23:26: And when they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, as he was coming in from the country , and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus. Faith Lesson from Herod-Pilate's Palace 1. The Jewish leaders were responsible for crucifying Christ because they were jealous of him. They were filled with selfish ambition and cared more about their power and kingdom than about God. Are we guided and motivated by jealousy and envy? Are we more concerned about our own power and kingdom than the Kingdom of God? 2. Pilate had supernatural warnings from God and knew that what he was doing was wrong. However, he chose to yield to peer pressure rather than to the fear of the Lord. What about us? Do we often do the same and yield to others' pressure rather than do what is right? 3. Christ willingly went to the Cross, knowing that He had come into the world for this purpose. Have we received His gift of salvation by grace through faith?

It’s the place where it’s believed Jesus was baptized, and where John the Baptist and the disciples of Jesus baptized many people as well. Thousands of pilgrims are baptized here each year because of its spiritual significance. It’s also the location where the Israelites crossed the Jordan. Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site, Jew’s Palace (Castle of the Jews), Jordanian Baptismal Site of Jesus, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Original Church of John the Baptist, Cave of John the Baptist Qasr al Yahud Baptismal Site of Jesus Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jordan River Baptismal Site of Jesus Qasr al-Yehud Introduction Welcome to the Baptismal site of Jesus here at the Jordan River. Many significant events from the Bible took place here. Here are the highlights. 1. It was here that the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The body of water that would have accumulated would have been 20 miles (32 km) long, 2 miles (3.2 km) wide, and about 120 ft (37 m) deep. 2. It was here that John the Baptist baptized many people. 3. It was here that John the Baptist baptized Jesus, and the voice of God spoke: Mark 1:9-11: In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased .” 4. Just across the river was the famous place called "Bethany Beyond the Jordan." 5. There are many churches on the other side of the river in the country of Jordan, marking these events. 6. Just imagine all these events happening right here. We are on holy ground. Location 1. It’s located about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Hwy. 90, across from Jericho. 2. It’s also known as Qaser al-Yahud, Kasser al-Yahud, and the Baptismal Site of Jesus. 3. It’s the place where it’s believed Jesus was baptized, and where John the Baptist and the disciples of Jesus baptized many people as well. 4. The water is not quite as clean as Yardenit, but thousands of pilgrims are baptized there each year because of its spiritual significance. 5. It’s also the believed location where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. 6. For those desiring to get baptized here in the Jordan River, the Qsar al-Yahud gift shop provides white robes and towels for a small fee. Historical Background 1. The concept of baptism is rooted in the Old Testament. As far back as Genesis, eight people were saved from the great flood of God’s judgment. The Apostle Peter indicated that the water of the flood “symbolizes baptism that now saves you” (1 Pet. 3:21). 2. Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and King David likewise used water as an external symbol for internal cleansing (Isa. 1:16; Ezek. 36:25; Ps. 51:2). Isaiah 1:16: Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil. 3. The word baptize, baptized, baptizing, or baptismal is mentioned around 72 times in the New Testament and, therefore, shows the value God places upon it. Places of Interest 1. Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site 2. Hwy. 90 3. Jew’s Palace (Castle of the Jews) 4. Jordanian Baptismal Site of Jesus 5. St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church: On the Jordanian Site of the river. 6. Original Church of John the Baptist. At least five churches have been built at this location, dating back to the first and second centuries AD. 7. Cave of John the Baptist 8. Greek Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist 9. The believed location where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. 10. This area is also associated with the ascension of the Prophet Elijah into heaven, which is commemorated at a hill called Tell Mar Elias or Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill). Baptism in the Bible 1. Baptism in the Old Testament. Baptism in the Old Testament had a different name and purpose than believers' baptism in the New Testament. It served as a regular purification ritual. Before entering the temple, synagogue, or entering any religious building, the Jews would purify themselves (ritual cleansing) in Mikvahs (purification pools). They also purified themselves before the Sabbath, feast days, and so forth. Purification for a Jew was a regular part of life. Purification involved confessing sins, entering a pool of water, immersing oneself completely, and putting on a new set of clothes. Mikvahs were found everywhere, and some of the wealthier members of the population had their own private mikvahs. 2. The Baptism of John the Baptist. John’s baptism picked up on this Jewish concept and took it a step further. His baptism was primarily a baptism of repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. Matthew 3:1–6: In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” 4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 3. Jesus was baptized by John. Matthew 3:13–17: Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized , immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 4. Why did Jesus get baptized if He was God in the flesh and perfect? After all, the purpose for Baptism in Jesus’ day was a baptism of repentance. Jesus permitted John the Baptist to baptize Him in order to fulfill all righteousness. He was setting an example for all to follow. Jesus didn’t repent of anything because He was perfect. It also gave God an opportunity to speak audibly and show His pleasure and affirmation of Christ as the Son of God. 5. The Baptism of Jesus. The message and baptism of Jesus dealt with repentance from sin and acceptance of Himself as the Messiah. Matthew 4:17: From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John 4:1–3: Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize , but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 6. Baptism in the rest of the New Testament. Baptism always followed salvation and was an outward proclamation of an inner conversion. On the day of Pentecost, 3,000 people were saved and were baptized. They would have used the existing Jewish mikvahs as baptismal pools. Acts 2:41: So those who received his word were baptized , and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Baptism was an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior. Romans 6:1–3: What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. In the same way Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to new life, baptism follows this same pattern. The believer’s placement under the water symbolizes burial and death to sin, and rising up out of the water symbolizes new life in Christ. Baptism does not save us in and of itself; it follows salvation and expresses what has already taken place in the heart of a believer. Baptism is a declaration to others that we identify with Christ and are now His disciples. Baptism is commanded in many passages of the Bible, and unless we are unable to do so for a specific reason, we should be baptized. Matthew 28:18–20: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Acts 2:37–38: Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Faith Lesson from Baptism 1. Jesus didn’t need to be baptized but did so in order to be an example for us. 2. If we are genuine believers in Christ and have not been baptized, we should do so in order to obey Christ. 3. Baptism does not save us in and of itself, but when connected with our faith in Christ, it cleanses us of sin, identifies us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and declares to others that we are followers of Christ. 4. Baptism symbolizes our newness of life in Christ and that we are now dead to being controlled and defeated by sin. Romans 6:4: We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is the most sacred place in Judaism where prayer is permitted. Standing at the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, it is the last remaining wall of the Second Temple, destroyed in 70 CE, and has been a place of prayer and pilgrimage for centuries. Western Wall & Plaza (Kotel) Photo Gallery Places of Interest Western Wall & Plaza (Kotel) Introduction The Western Wall Plaza, also known as the Kotel, is the most sacred place in Judaism where large gatherings of Jews can pray and worship. 1. The Western Wall was part of the Temple Mount expansion Herod the Great did around 19 BC. 2. It consists of 45 courses of stone, with 17 underground and 28 above ground. 3. The Wall is the closest public area to the ancient temple and Holy of Holies, making it the holiest large public place where Jews can pray. 4. Above the Herodian base, later additions from the Umayyad, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods reflect centuries of rebuilding and preservation. 5. For centuries, pilgrims from across the world have come to pray here, leaving written notes in its ancient stones. 6. In this tour, we'll see the following: Crushed stones from the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans. Burnt marks on the walls from the destruction in 70 AD. Remains of an arch leading up to the Temple Mount. The access ramp leading up to the Temple Mount for the general public. The layout of the Western Wall Plaza. The history and background of this area. Many other highlights of the area. Location 1. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall (because the Jews weep here during their prayers), is located on the western side of the Temple Mount. 2. The Western Wall Tunnel is accessed on the northern side of the Western Wall Plaza and runs north to the end of the Temple Mount Platform. Western Wall & Temple Mount History 1. In order to build the temple on the mountain top of Mount Moriah, supporting walls had to be erected that could be filled in, so there was a large flat place (platform) upon which to build. King Solomon first did this when he constructed the first temple around 967 BC. When the temple was rebuilt under Zerubbabel (537-515 BC), this same platform was used. Afterward, the Hasmonean's expanded the Temple Mount to the south a bit in around 140 BC. Then, in 19 BC, King Herod began rebuilding a new massive temple. To accomplish this, he had to enlarge the Temple Mount Platform significantly. When he was done, it measured 985 x 1,575 feet (300 x 480 m.), or the equivalent of 35 football fields in size (35 acres, 14 hectares). 2. King Herod put 10,000 men to work and trained 1,000 priests as masons so they could work on the most sacred parts of the temple. The building was begun in 19 B.C. and completed in 10 years, but the work of decoration was not finished until 64 A.D. 3. The temple King Herod built on this massive Temple Mount Platform was enormous in size. Nothing in the known world at that time compared to it in size and beauty. For comparison’s sake, the temple Herod built was over twice the size of the Dome of the Rock (which measures 65 feet wide by 115 feet high, or 20 meters by 35 meters), which can still be seen today. 4. In 70 AD, six years after the temple was fully completed, the Romans burned down and destroyed the temple at Jerusalem, and it has never been rebuilt since. 5. When the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 AD, part of the western side of the Temple Mount Platform survived. For centuries before 1967, people prayed in the small area of the wall that was visible at the time. However, in 1967, following the Six-Day War, Israelis excavated below the ground level of the wall and found two more stone rows. They then cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today. 6. The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall, or support wall, that Herod the Great built in 19 BC when he enlarged the Temple Mount complex to accommodate a larger temple and Temple Mount area. It was a massive undertaking that required exceptional and sophisticated engineering. 7. Unlike what some think, the Western Wall was not part of the wall of the temple that King Herod Built. 8. The Western Wall consists of a total of 45 courses of stone, with 17 underground and 28 above ground. Following is the history of all the stone courses. Herodian Period (19 BC): Of the visible part of the wall, only the bottom seven stone courses, consisting of large stones with indented borders, are from Herod the Great's enlargement. There are 17 stone courses buried underground. Some of these can be seen by entering the Western Wall Tunnels. Umayyad Period (650-700 AD): The following four stone courses date back to the Muslim Umayyad Period. Ottoman Period (1516-1917 AD): The subsequent 17 stone courses date back to this period. 9. Located beside the Western Wall, on the left side, or northern side of the Western Wall, is a synagogue. Here Jews gather to study, read, and pray. This is one of the Jews’ most holy synagogues due to its proximity to the original Temple, where the Holy of Holies once resided. Places of Interest 1. The entire length of the Western Wall is 1,575 ft. long (480 m.), almost a third of a mile (.53 km.). 2. Massive Stones: At the southern end of the Western Wall are stones that the Romans cast down when they destroyed the city in 70 AD. 3. Broken Pavement: The broken pavement of the street that the massive stones crushed when they fell is sobering to see. 4. Burn Marks: On the wall remain burnt stones from the fire of the Roman conquest of the city in 70 AD. 5. Robinson's Arch: This was a large stairway access to the southwest side of the Temple Mount. 6. Shop Ruins: There are remains of shops that were part of a large shopping plaza at the southern part of the Western Wall. This is the same wall that Jesus and His disciples would have seen. 7. Southern Stairs: The Southern Stairs entrance to the temple is where Jesus would have taught His disciples and entered the Temple Mount area. 8. Trumpeter's Stone: At the southernmost end of the Western Wall is a significant stone that stood upon the uttermost southwestern corner of the Temple Mount. It has words written in Hebrew that mean “The Trumpeter’s House.” A priest would stand at this corner announcing the beginning of the Sabbath and other festival days the Jews celebrated with a loud trumpet blast. 9. Isaiah Stone: Right under Robinson's Arch, we can see the so-called "Isaiah Stone." It has a carved inscription in Hebrew with a partial quote or paraphrase of Isaiah 66:14. The carving says: "And them will see, and rejoice your heart, and your bones like grass shall flourish." 10. In 1967, after the Six-Day War, the Israelis removed old homes and cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today. 11. In the Western Wall Plaza area, a walkway bridge can be seen that tourists use to access the Temple Mount. 12. The Western Wall Plaza is divided into two sections: a men’s and a women’s section. 13. The area close to the wall is considered a synagogue, so men must wear a head covering when entering the men’s section. 14. Barclay's Gate: This was an access on the western side of the Temple Mount. It is located just under the public walkway bridge. 15. Most Jews do not enter the Temple Mount for fear of unknowingly walking in the place where the Holy of Holies might have been. Plus, Muslims do not want them entering their places of worship as well. However, things are rapidly changing, and many Jews are now going on the Temple Mount. They walk around the outer perimeter so they don't get close to where the original temple once stood. 16. The Western Wall Plaza is the closest large public area to the temple and Holy of Holies for the Jews. Therefore, it is their most holy site. 17. Wilson’s Arch: It's located on the northern side of the Western Wall. It once supported a large bridge that provided access and an aqueduct to the Temple Mount. Under this arch is a men's synagogue where Jews pray and read the Scriptures. 18. The Western Wall Plaza is only 10% of the entire Western Wall of the Temple Mount Platform. The majority of the wall is accessible by entering what is known as “The Western Wall Tunnels.” We will see that part shortly. 19. Western Wall Stone Layers: Herodian Period (19 BC): Of the visible part of the wall, only the bottom seven stone courses, consisting of large stones with indented borders, are from Herod the Great's enlargement. There are 17 stone courses buried underground. Some of these can be seen by entering the Western Wall Tunnels. Umayyad Period (650-700 AD): The following four stone courses date back to the Muslim Umayyad Period. Ottoman Period (1516-1917 AD): The subsequent 17 stone courses date back to this period. Faith Lesson from the Western Wall 1. It's sad that the closest large meeting area the Jews can get to the place where the original temple used to be located is the Western Wall, which, in reality, is just part of the supporting wall of the Temple Mount. 2. It’s sad that because of the Jews’ repeated refusal to heed God’s warnings to obey and follow Him, He sent judgments upon Israel and Jerusalem. 3. It's sad that because the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah, Jesus prophesied Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. The reality of this destruction is the overarching fact that can be seen all along the Western Wall. 4. Because of the Jews' continual disobedience to God, He prophesied that the Jews would be scattered to the four corners of the earth. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. 5. God also prophesied that He would bring the Jews back to their homeland in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948. 6. According to many passages in the Bible, God still has a plan for the Jews. He said He would bring them back to their homeland after they had been scattered for thousands of years. He also says that during the Great Tribulation Period, many Jews, if not most of them, will recognize that Jesus is indeed their Messiah and turn to Him in repentance. 7. Amazingly, we see the first prophecy fulfilled in that the Jews returned to their homeland and have their own country back. Many civilizations have occupied the Holy Land, but God has fulfilled prophecy in bringing the Jews back to their homeland today. 8. The stones here cry out that God’s Word is true and is verifiable through the fulfillment of these prophecies. 9. There is a proverb saying in Jerusalem that is a sad but very true saying, “The Jerusalem Stone, so resilient and supple, bows to the transient follies of humankind, bearing a testimony like a hundred witnesses, and yet, remains silent.” 10. We find in all that has happened to the Jews a powerful and sobering message for us today. Obedience brings God’s blessings, but disobedience brings His discipline. 1 Corinthians 10:11–12: Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

Selah Book Press is a Christian Publishing Ministry for the Glory of God. Selah Book Press Christian Publishing for the Glory of God! Books by Todd Michael Fink Clink to see more For more on Selah Book Press click below: SelahBookPress.com

Every kind of resource for learning about the Holy Land. Bible videos, talks, maps, information, and much more. See amazing and interesting facts and truths about Israel, the Holy Land. Videos, maps, books, talks, archaeology, Bible teachings, history, walls, gates, people, and language of the people and places in Israel. Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, Masada, Negev, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Hebron, Shechem, Samaria, Jordan River, Beersheba, and more. Learning Resources Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources Books by Dr. Todd M. Fink Old Testament Detailed Bible Timeline New Testament Detailed Bible Timeline List of the Good and Bad Kings of Israel and Judah Timeline of Israel's History Maps of Israel ~ High Definition Holy Sites Bible Verses Photos and Info About the Holy Land Chronological Order of the Byzantine Empire History of the Holy Land from the Beginning Until Present Timeline of the Life of Christ Timeline of the Life of Christ (pdf format) Map of the Holy Land During the Time of Christ Website with Many Maps of the Holy Land and Surrounding Areas Map of Abraham's Journey to the Holy Land Map of the Travel Locations of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph Travels of Moses and the Children of Israel Location of the 12 Tribes of Israel in the Holy Land Harmony of the 4 Gospels (Chronological timeline of events of the Life of Jesus) Biblical Sites for Christian Visitors Booklet Great Website for photos and info on the Holy Land Chronology of the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 A.D.) Maps for Purchase Map of Israel Map of Jerusalem Satellite Poster of Israel In the Footsteps of Jesus Map Sea of Galilee Booklet & Map Via Dolorosa Booklet & Map Posters & Maps in General

Overview of Jerusalem's history during the Byzantine Period (313- 614 AD in Jerusalem. Filmed at the Jerusalem model at the House of Caiaphas (St. Peter in Gallicantu), Jerusalem. Jerusalem During the Byzantine Period Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jerusalem During the Byzantine Period 313 - 614 AD Introduction 1. Welcome to a Jerusalem many visitors never see. We often picture this city in the days of King David or Jesus. Here we can see what happened several centuries after Jesus, when great churches became prominent features of its skyline. 2. Imagine pilgrims arriving after weeks or months of travel. They have heard the accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Now they want to see the places where those events were remembered, worship with local Christians, and bring those memories home. 3. The Byzantine Jerusalem model at St. Peter in Gallicantu offers a fascinating view of the city several centuries after Jesus. 4. It helps explain an important chapter in Jerusalem’s history: the development of a major Christian pilgrimage center. It also helps visitors understand why many Jerusalem churches stand over the remains of earlier sanctuaries. 5. The reconstruction was completed in 2003 by archaeologist and biblical scholar Jacques Briend and architect and model maker Jean-Claude Marmorat. 6. Built at a scale of 1:200, it depicts Jerusalem before the Persian attack of AD 614. Its inclusion of Justinian’s Nea Church places the reconstructed scene after that church’s dedication in 543. 7. But keep the dates clear. Jesus did not walk past these Byzantine basilicas. They were built generations later to honor Him and preserve the memory of His ministry. The Gospel events came first; the churches followed. 8. As we explore, keep asking two questions: What does this building tell us about Byzantine Jerusalem? And what does the event it commemorates teach us about Christ?” Location 1. The model is on the grounds of St. Peter in Gallicantu, on the eastern slope of Mount Zion, south of Jerusalem’s present Old City walls. 2. It can be included in a visit to the site traditionally associated with Caiaphas’s house and Peter’s denial of Jesus. Historical Background 1. Jerusalem before the Byzantine Period Roman forces destroyed the Second Temple in AD 70. Elements of that Roman city remain visible today. Around AD 130, Emperor Hadrian gave Jerusalem the Roman name Aelia Capitolina and the region the name Palestinia. Aelia comes from Hadrian’s family name, Aelius. It honored the emperor. Capitolina refers to Jupiter Capitolinus, the chief Roman god associated with Rome’s Capitoline Hill. Together, the name expressed Jerusalem’s new identity as a Roman city honoring Hadrian and Jupiter. Palestinia refers to the Philistines. His intent was to erase any connection the Jews had to their ancestral homeland. Cardo Maximus Cardo Minor 2. The rise of Christian Jerusalem Constantine granted Christianity legal toleration in 313 AD with the Edict of Milan. After Constantine took control of the eastern empire in 324, imperial support helped establish important Christian sanctuaries in Jerusalem. The term Byzantine refers to the eastern Roman civilization centered on Constantinople. 3. Churches Built Over Several Centuries The model brings together buildings from different stages of the Byzantine period. Constantine’s Holy Sepulchre complex was inaugurated in 335. Holy Zion became a major basilica by the early fifth century. Eudocia supported building in Jerusalem during the fifth century. Justinian dedicated the Nea Church in 543. These structures later became memorials and places of worship; they did not stand during Jesus’ earthly ministry. 4. A City of Pilgrimage Pilgrims visited sites associated with Jesus, heard Scripture, joined worship, and carried their experiences home. Egeria’s late-fourth-century account preserves valuable descriptions of Christian worship in Jerusalem. The streets between the shrines were part of the pilgrimage experience. 5. Destruction and Transition Persian forces captured Jerusalem in 614 AD. Byzantine rule was briefly restored before the Muslim conquest around 638. These changes altered the city, although Christian communities and many traditions continued under subsequent rulers. 6. Understanding the Reconstruction A model combines evidence with interpretation. It helps explain relationships among buildings, streets, and terrain, but it cannot establish the precise appearance of every roof, house, or wall. Its strongest teaching value is the overall picture of late Byzantine Jerusalem. Places of Interest 1. The Cardos and the City Streets The Cardo Maximus (built by Hadrian in 135 AD) was the principal colonnaded north–south street. Its southern extension dates to Justinian’s period. It ran from the Damascus Gate south to what is now Zion Gate. The Cardo Minor (built by Hadrian in 135 AD) was another colonnaded north–south street. It ran from the Damascus Gate toward the Temple Mount and then south. The Decumanus Maximus Street. It ran east-west. These streets remind us that Jerusalem was a place of trade, work, and family life as well as worship. 2. The Temple Mount The Temple Mount underwent many changes. 70 AD ~ Temple destroyed. 135 AD ~ A false-god temple to Jupiter was built by Hadrian over where the original temple once stood. 330 AD ~ False-god temple to Jupiter torn down. Byzantines may have built a chapel in its place. 691 AD ~ The Dome of the Rock was built over the original temple site. 3. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre This complex commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The Byzantine arrangement included the Martyrium basilica, the Golgotha area, and the Anastasis rotunda surrounding the tomb. The model makes their relationship easier to understand than the much-altered buildings visible today. 4. Herod/Pilate's Palace The place where Jesus was tried and condemned to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate. 5. Antonia Fortress A fortress on the northwest corner of the Temple Mount, used for protection. 6. The Church of Holy Zion Hagia Sion stood on the southwestern hill, near today’s Dormition Abbey and Upper Room. It preserved traditions associated with the apostles and the early Jerusalem church. It was built over the site of the Upper Room. The Upper Room is where Jesus celebrated the Passover Meal with His disciples and served as the early believers' headquarters for some time. 7. The Church of St Mary at the Sheep Pool This Byzantine church stands at Bethesda, north of the Temple Mount. Visitors to Bethesda today can see remains of earlier structures beside the Crusader Church of St. Anne. The church shown in the model dates to the earlier Byzantine period. John 5 records Jesus healing a man here who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 8. The Church of St John the Baptist South of the Holy Sepulchre, in the area now known as the Muristan, this church honors the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. 9. The Church of Siloam At the city's southern end, this church commemorated the healing in John 9. The Byzantine sanctuary was associated with the upper pool near the outlet of Hezekiah’s Tunnel. 10. The Church of St Peter in Gallicantu (House of Caiaphas) This church sits on the eastern slope of Mount Zion, corresponding to the sanctuary grounds where the model stands. The sanctuary dates the first church here to approximately 457–460 AD. The site recalls Peter’s denial and repentance and preserves a tradition concerning Jesus’ appearance before Caiaphas. 11. The Nea Church The Nea, the New Church of Mary, the Mother of God, stood near the southern end of the main Cardo. Dedicated in 543 AD under Justinian, it was a monumental addition to Jerusalem. Its size and relationship to the street reveal the scale of imperial investment in the city. Excavated remains confirm that this great church was a real feature of Byzantine Jerusalem. Faith Lesson from Jerusalem 1. Let remembrance lead to faith and obedience. The model helps us understand how Christians remembered Jesus’ ministry. Our response should go beyond appreciating buildings. James 1:22 calls believers to put God’s Word into practice. As we visit the places connected with Scripture, we should ask how its teaching should shape our lives. 2. Repentance opens the way to renewed service. The Church of Gallicantu brings Peter’s failure into sharp focus. Yet John 21 shows that Jesus continued to work through him. We should take our sins seriously, confess them, and respond to Christ’s call to follow Him. 3. Keep the resurrection central. The Holy Sepulchre recalls the events Paul identifies as foundational to the gospel. Christian hope rests in Jesus’ victory over death. Buildings can be damaged and rebuilt; our confidence belongs in the risen Lord. 4. Practice the priorities of the early church. Holy Zion directs our attention to the Christian community described in Acts. Teaching, fellowship, generosity, the breaking of bread, and prayer should mark our congregations today. A visit to Jerusalem can encourage us to strengthen those habits at home. 5. Point others to Christ John the Baptist’s witness models ministry for us. Our teaching, service, and daily conduct should help others see who Jesus is. As we leave this miniature city, may we carry a clearer understanding of Scripture and a stronger desire to follow Him.