Scientists have opened Jesus’ tomb for the first time in over 500 years, revealing significant archaeological findings.
The tomb, located at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, has been sealed in marble since at least 1555 to protect it from relic hunters.
Researchers discovered a limestone burial shelf believed to be where Christ’s body was placed, along with a previously unknown gray marble slab engraved with a cross, likely carved by Crusaders in the 12th century.
Archaeologist Frederick Hebert from National Geographic described the moment of uncovering the second marble slab as astonishing, noting the beautifully inscribed cross.
The tomb has undergone numerous reconstructions over the centuries, but this discovery provides visible proof that it is the same site identified by Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century.
The excavation team utilized ground-penetrating radar and thermographic scanners, spending 60 hours to document and clean the site, with plans to create a virtual reconstruction of the tomb for public viewing.