Scientists from Italy have come close to answering one of the most important questions concerning the history of Christianity.
Believers are convinced that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem stands on the site of the execution of Jesus Christ. Scientists doubted and put forward different theories, but now they seem to have come to a consensus.
New facts were collected by scientists from the University of La Sapienza (Italy), RIA Novosti reports.
Faith requires no proof. But science relies only on facts and things that can be seen and touched.
Italian scientists have found solid evidence that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre really does stand on the site where Christ was crucified.
The theory is confirmed by a discovery made by archaeologists last summer.
Closer to the north-eastern part of the temple complex, scientists have dug up the remains of a sanctuary. Not Christian, but pagan.
This Roman sanctuary is directly linked to historical facts.
Judea regularly gave Rome problems. Thus, several decades after the execution of Christ, the Jews revolted.
The Romans brought in troops, harshly suppressed the rebellion and practically razed Jerusalem to the ground.
Christian shrines were desecrated to the maximum extent: they were covered with garbage, pagan temples were erected and their own sanctuaries were set up.
One large sanctuary appeared not far from the place where Christ was crucified.
Thus, the Italians’ discovery confirms the assumption that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located on the site of the Savior’s execution.
For reference
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a church in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.
