Archaeologists working in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, considered the holiest site in Christendom, have made a remarkable discovery: a lost crusader altar dating back to the medieval period. The church, built in the 4th century on the site where Jesus was believed to have been crucified, also houses his empty tomb, making it an immensely significant site for Christians worldwide.

The discovery was made by archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OAW) in collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). They found the altar in one of the rear corridors leading to the middle chamber of the church. Initially overlooked and covered in graffiti from tourists, the stone slab was identified as the long-lost crusader altar, consecrated in 1149.

Historian Ilya Berkovich from the OAW highlighted the historical accounts of a magnificent marble altar in Jerusalem dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries. This newly discovered altar, decorated in the unique “Cosmatesque” style, showcases intricate marble decorations crafted by guild masters from papal Rome. The technique involves meticulously assembling small marble pieces to create geometric patterns and elaborate ornaments, a skill mastered by artisans with the Pope’s permission.

The significance of this find extends beyond its artistic and historical value. It sheds light on previously unknown connections between Rome and the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem during the medieval period. The altar’s presence suggests a deliberate effort to honor the holiest church in Christendom, possibly commissioned by the Pope himself.

Despite questions surrounding how the altar remained hidden for centuries, its discovery provides valuable insights into the rich history and cultural exchanges that shaped the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. As archaeologists continue their study, this find promises to deepen our understanding of the church’s evolution and its enduring significance in Christian faith and history.