Roman Legion Bricks Found in Holy Sepulchre Excavations

Archaeological site of Potaissa Castra of 5th Roman Legion at Turda, Romania

Remarkable Discovery of Roman Legion Bricks in Holy Sepulchre Excavations

Just recently, a momentous archaeological find unfolded within the hallowed confines of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as excavators offered a tour to Patriarch Theophilos III and other eminent Heads of the Churches. The astonishing discoveries emerged from the ambulatory located behind the apse of the primary Greek sanctuary, where several intimate chapels also reside.

Beneath the sacred floor, the diligent archaeologists unveiled remnants of the original church walls, as well as an intricate drainage conduit. Yet, the most intriguing revelation was yet to come. Amidst the ancient fill, they stumbled upon two fragments of bricks, possibly once used as roof-tiles, bearing the unmistakable markings of the renowned tenth Roman Legion, known as “Fretensis.”

Historically, the tenth legion was stationed in Jerusalem following the Second Jewish Revolt of 132-135 AD, when Emperor Hadrian transformed the city into Aelia Capitolina. Speculations suggest that these bricks, or roof-tiles, might have once adorned the Temple of Aphrodite, an edifice that stood on the site until the era of Constantine. It was Constantine who ordered its demolition to pave the way for the grand new central church of Christendom.

With ongoing excavations expected to extend for approximately another year, anticipation builds for further revelations surrounding the crucifixion and burial sites of Christ, as well as the intricate construction of the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre itself.