Tomb of Christ

While the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, is historically known as Christ's burial chapel, this status is often considered to be purely symbolic. But startling new discoveries by Martin and Birthe Biddle suggest that Jesus' tomb may indeed lie beneath the Church.

The Church was built 1700 years ago and, ironically for such a venerated site, became one of the most fought-over places in the world. Ever since the medieval crusades were launched to 'liberate' it from the Muslims, this sacred spot has been the source of bloodshed and violence.

The original structure of the Church has long since been destroyed. Today's 'tomb' dates from 1809 and is itself in a state of collapse. But deep beneath this edifice, encased within a series of Russian doll-like structures, the Biddles have discovered the remains of a cave tomb about 2,000 years old. Only when this is opened up will they know whether it is the tomb of Christ himself.