First archaeobotanical investigation in the Holy Sepulcher Basilica (Jerusalem)

The Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, in Jerusalem, is a site of great historical importance believed to contain the most important sites of Christianity. Historical data document that it was built over the Aelia Capitolina’s Roman temple by Constantine the Great around 326 AD. Over the centuries, the Basilica has experienced multiple cycles of destruction and reconstruction due to wars, earthquakes, and fires. For the first time, an archaeobotanical study at this site is carried on furthermore considering multiple proxies. Macro-remains unearthed so far come from four excavation areas. The carpological analysis reveals both cultivated and wild plants, with cereals and fruit plants, particularly Ficus carica, being the most prevalent. Two areas have shown a significant presence of wood charcoal, with 20.6% consisting of twigs and numerous fragments identified as Quercus sect. suber, Rhamnus/Phillyrea, and Olea europaea. Also pollen analysis were carried out to support macro-remains analyses. Five samples belonging to four different contexts were studied showing high amount of herbaceous plants (respectively Chicorioideae, Asteroideae and Chenopodiaceae) in the majority of cases. The study is ongoing and aims to uncover the history of plant usage and vegetation in the area across different periods. Financed by "Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Sustainable Society (CHANGES)" – A.P. n.341, 15/03/22 - PNRR NextGenerationEU - PE0000020 - CUP B53C22003780006