The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Archaeology identifies this as the place Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. It is the site of an old quarry outside the city walls. St John says Jesus was crucified on a rock shaped like a skull outside the city, John 19:17, and buried in a grave nearby. 19: 41-42.
The place of crucifixion. Christian artists tend to cloth the crucifixion with a certain dignity. In reality, it was an awful death. Stark naked the victim’s hands and feet were nailed to a rough stake, the body sinking under its own weight the head swinging from side to side, burning with thirst. It was the Roman custom to erect the crosses at the city gates so that the horror of such a death struck fear in those who passed by.
The authenticity of the site is affirmed by the practice of the Christian community in Jerusalem, celebrating at this site until the year 66. The emperor Constantine built a church in 326.
Greek Mosaic
On the way down from Calvary to the Holy Sepulcher is the stone of anointing. This place has been venerated since the 13th century. The stone covered the rock on which the body of Jesus was laid.
The tomb attributed to Joseph of Arimathea.
The Holy Sepulchre
Interior of the tomb.
Interior of the tomb.
