Ancient Road Unearthed Beneath Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Archaeological findings suggest a potential path used during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
1Discovery of Ancient Path
Archaeologists have uncovered a stone-paved road beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The section measures roughly 10 by 12 feet and features a broad, shallow step. This structure, found beneath a Crusader-era walkway, suggests a route that may have existed during the first century Roman occupation period.
2Hypothesis on Execution Route
Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla leads the excavation team from Sapienza University of Rome. She proposes the road might have ascended toward the area of Calvary. While currently a hypothesis, the location aligns with historical accounts describing public executions in Jerusalem, providing a potential physical link to the site of the crucifixion.
3Structural Analysis of Road
The road features a pronounced slope and a step that would have hindered carts hauling heavy building materials. This design makes it unlikely that the path served as a construction route for Roman crews. Instead, its layout suggests it was designed to accommodate pedestrians, potentially including spectators attending public Roman executions.
4Evidence of Ancient Gardens
Excavations between 2022 and 2025 revealed plant remains beneath the church foundation. These findings echo the Gospel of John, which describes a garden containing a new tomb near the crucifixion site. Analysis dates these remains to the pre-Christian era, consistent with the historical timeframe of Jesus’ death around 33 AD.
5Historical Context and Timeline
The road predates Emperor Hadrian’s second-century redevelopment of Jerusalem, leaving open the possibility of its use during Jesus' lifetime. The path was eventually abandoned during the fourth century when Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of the original church complex. This site has remained a focal point for Christian pilgrimage for centuries.
6Debate Over Burial Sites
Scholars continue to debate the exact location of Jesus’ burial. While many favor the Church of the Holy Sepulchre due to evidence of rock-cut tombs, others point to the Garden Tomb. The discovery of the circular marble base and the ancient road adds new physical evidence to this long-standing historical discussion.
7Architectural Findings and Mortar
The team also uncovered a circular base made from reused marble, measuring 20 feet in diameter. Researchers are currently analyzing the mortar joining these slabs to establish the construction sequence. This data will help determine if the base belongs to Constantine’s original fourth-century structure or a later rebuilding phase of the site.
8Current Site Status
The broader research project began in 2019, with documentation continuing after the physical digging concluded in October 2025. Currently, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is closed indefinitely due to escalating security concerns linked to the war in Iran. Future studies will rely on the extensive documentation gathered during the recent excavations.