The ‘burial bed’ on which the body of Jesus Christ is believed to have been laid after he was crucified is being exposed for the first time in many centuries as part of a $4 million restoration project at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
According to a report in the National Geographic, the original marble slab, measuring 3ft by 5ft, has been exposed to give researchers an unprecedented opportunity to study the original surface of what is considered the most sacred site in Christianity. The analysis will help archaeologists better understand the original form of the tomb chamber.
The restoration project, involving about 50 experts, began earlier this year after funding was secured from donors including King Abdullah of Jordan and Mica Ertegun, the widow of Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun. The Christian denominations that jointly run the church also committed funds.
The tomb is situated inside a structure known as the Edicule (pictured), which is being restored by a team of conservators from the National Technical University in Athens. The project is due to be completed next spring.
Antonia Moropoulou, the team’s chief scientific supervisor, told National Geographic: "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."
The church – a huge draw for pilgrims and tourists from all over the world due to its location on the assumed site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection – was closed for the slab’s removal but conservators have been working mainly at night in order to allow pilgrims continued access to the shrine.
Six denominations – Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Syrian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox and Copts – share custodianship of the church, which can be found in the Christian quarter of the Old City.
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