A team working on the restoration of the chamber traditionally considered the tomb of Jesus Christ have peeled back the marble cladding in an effort to expose the original rock surface for the first time in centuries, according to a report in National Geographic.
Located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, the small chamber contains a stone shelf or bed upon which, tradition holds, Christ’s body was laid following His death and before His resurrection.
The surface of the tomb has been covered by marble cladding since at least 1555 AD but a team of scientists from the National Technical University of Athens have pulled it back as part of their restoration of the cave tomb and the early 19th century structure built around which is known as the Edicule.
The work has exposed a second slab underneath the marble which National Geographic archaeologist Fredrik Hiebert believes dates to the 12th century and under which he thinks the original surface may be found.
National Geographic, which is documenting the work, says that an analysis of the original rock bed upon which Christ was laid may help researchers to better understand the original form of the tomb chamber and how it evolved as a site of veneration since first being identified by Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine in 326AD.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which dates from the 12th century, is currently held in joint custody by six different Christian denominations.
