The tomb of Jesus Christ in Church of the Holy Sepulchre, has been exposed by scientists for the first time in centuries.
In the Old City of Jerusalem, the tomb, which is considered to be Jesus Christ's tomb has been covered with marble layering. It is estimated that the tomb has been marble covered since 1555 A.D. or even earlier.
National Geographic Society, the partner in the restoration project has Fredrik Hiebert, as the archaeologist-in-residence. He has recently stated that it is pretty surprising considering the fill material that they discovered after pulling back the marble covering of the tomb.
Hiebert further added that though a long scientific analysis is next on the cards, but, they will soon be able to see the original rock, which is believed to be the surface on which the body of Jesus Christ was laid, according to Christian traditions.
The restoration team, which is being headed by Chief Scientific Supervisor Professor Antonia Moropoulou is restoring the Edicule, which is the small structure enclosing the burial shelf and the interior tomb. Notably, the Edicule was destroyed in a fire and in 1808-1810, it was reconstructed.
Moropoulou emphasizes that they are presently at a critical moment or restoring the Edicule. Moreover, Moropoulou states that, "The techniques we're using to document this unique monument will enable the world to study our findings as if they themselves were in the tomb of Christ."
It goes without saying that the revelation of the burial bed will give researchers the opportunity to study the most sacred site according to Christianity. It will also enable the researchers to delve deeper into the tomb chamber, and its evolution after it was first identified in A.D. 326 by Helena, who is the mother of Roman emperor Constantine.
It must be mentioned here that the National Geographic Society along with other religious communities and the Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem have entered into a strategic alliance with the National Technical University of Athens. This alliance aims at the restoration and preservation of the cultural heritages of Jerusalem.
This November, get an exclusive look at the restoration project can on the National Geographic Channel's show, Explorer.
