The Edicule, Containing the Tomb of Christ, Jerusalem

For those interested in the historicity of the Tomb of Christ and the Church of Holy Sepulcher, the following online link will be very helpful:

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/jerusalem-church-of-holy-sepulchre

Unlike some other Christian sites in Israel, the authenticity of the 'Tomb of Christ' is well supported by historical documents and very strong reliable traditions. Underneath a large dome the Tomb of Christ, is enshrined in a large box-like structure called the edicule. The current structure was built in 1809-10 after the severe fire of 1808. It replaced one dating from 1555. The original 4th-century shrine constructed under Constantine was destroyed by the sultan Hakim in 1009.

According to the 4th Cent. Historian Eusebius (attested also by Jerome), Roman Emperor Hadrian built a statue of Jupiter on the site and it remained for 180 years (140-320 A.D.)  When Constantine converted the empire to Christianity, he had the pagan temples dismantled, the earth removed and a church built over the spot (326 AD). The Christian community of Jerusalem held worship services at the site until 66 AD records Eusebius. Hadrian built the pagan Temple on the site regarded holy by Christians so as to claim the site for traditional Roman religion. All facts and traditions put together, this very site has a very high probability of being the 'Tomb of Christ'.

Inside, the edicule are two small rooms. The first is the Greek Orthodox Chapel of the Angel, which features an altar containing a piece of the stone rolled away by angels at the Resurrection. The inner room  is the actual Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher-the tomb of Christ.