Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Recent Archaeological Excavation on the floor of the Rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
New archaeological findings emerged from the recent archaeological excavations carried out on the floor of the Rotunda in the All-Holy Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.
On the afternoon of 11 January 2023, the three Religious Communities (Greek, Latin, Armenian) visited the archaeological site of the Rotunda, in order to be informed about the progress of the restoration work on the floor around the Sacred Edicule (Kouvouklion).
In more detail, the recent archaeological excavations brought to light the following newest archaeological finds, as described by Dr. Theo Mitropoulos in a report published by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem:
1. The southern part of the floor of the Rotunda was revealed after the removal of the stone slabs of 1810. Immediately below the floor was seen the natural rock, which has been carved by the technicians of the Constantinian phase (4th century), in order to make the foundations of the Rotunda.
2. Archaeologist Virgilio Corbo’s archaeological excavation in the southern part of the Rotunda floor was revealed by removing the reinforced concrete slab that covered the excavation in this area.
3. Excavations brought to light the southwest foundation of the Church built by the Romans in front of the Holy Sepulchre, in order to prevent Christians from entering the Holy Sepulcher.
4. The foundation of the current edicule (1810) has been placed on a foundation of the second Constantinian phase made of marble slabs 8-10 cm thick, during which the spectacular natural rock of this monument will be protected around the perimeter with the use of 8 colonnades and a metal railing, as represented in the Capsula Samangher (5th century).
5. In the exposed southern part of the floor of the Rotunda, traces of other tombs can be seen on the natural rock, a fact that proves that this area which was of an abandoned quarry during the Judeo-Christian period had been used as a cemetery.
6. A well decorated flooring with marble inlays (opus sectile) was found on the southern floor of the Rotunda and near the excavation of V. Corbo.
It should be noted that the excavation work, which is progressing in parts, will reveal the rest of the floor of the rotunda within the next few days.
Source: Jerusalem Patriarchate
