The archaeological excavation activities at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, coordinated by the Department of Ancient World Studies, continue over the Christmas holidays. Nicolò Bizzarri, Giulia Cati, Caterina Di Matteo, Giulia Doronzo, Francesca Lambicchi, Elena Molaioni, Flavio Pallocca, Eleonora Prandini, Giulia Previti and Cecilia Romagnoli, directed by Francesca Stasolla, have been working day and night shifts, since May, to ensure the continuity of the excavation in the religious complex. The scholars are all PhDs, research fellows and Sapienza students who, together with historians, numismatists, geologists, palaeobotanists and archaeozoologists, are actively participating in the reconstruction of an extraordinary archaeological context.

With this contribution, Sapienza is taking part in the major restoration project of the Holy Sepulchre, the sacred heart of Christianity and the destination of worship and pilgrimage for millions of believers worldwide.  The Custody of the Holy Land has asked the Department of Ancient World Studies, directed by Giorgio Piras, to prepare the preliminary historical study for the restoration of the Basilica's flooring, as well as supervise the restoration work from an archaeological point of view, which is entrusted to the Fondazione Centro Conservazione e Restauro dei beni culturali La Venaria Reale in Turin.