tomb of jesus

The marble slab above the purported tomb of Jesus at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem has been removed for the first time in centuries. After His crucifixion, Jesus' body was placed into a new tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. The body would have been placed on a limestone slab inside the tomb. The original limestone lies underneath layers of marble added later for safe keeping.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher was built over the site of Jesus' death and resurrection in 325 AD by Emperor Constantine with assistance from his mother, Helena.

Should be interesting to see what they find. And of course ... what they don't.  ;-)

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rare moonbow over northern england

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mosaics uncovered in ephesus

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered brilliant mosaics in the ancient city of Ephesus. These mosaics have been discovered along with murals, marble, and wall paintings in the ruins from the homes of wealthy Ephesians.

The last picture shows the villa in Ephesus before restorations.

ht - haaretz

3D Tour of Pompeii Villa

the skull of the hurricane

reopening the gates

Archaeologists with the Israel Antiquities Authority have unearthed the largest city gate ever discovered in the Holy Land at the Tel Lachish National Park. Lachish was one of the most important cities in Judea after the capital city of Jerusalem. The newly discovered city gate goes back to the time of King Hezekiah, one of the few good kings in Israel after the time of David and Solomon. The courts around the city gate is where much of the civic activity took place - complete with judges, officials, and governors who would sit on benches and conduct important business in the surrounding  chambers.

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise"   - Psalm 100

"Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates, behold the King of Glory waits ... "  - LSB 340

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rainbow at the sem