Medieval altar from Crusades discovered in Holy Sepulchre

A report from the Times of Israel explains that the slab was overlooked for so long because it was placed on the floor upside down. For over 200 years the unassuming rock attracted graffiti from visiting faithful who wished to leave their mark on its smooth surface. The ornamented side was only discovered thanks to a round of renovations currently underway at the famed Jerusalem church. 

Jerusalem’s regional archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority, Amit Re’em, called the discovery “a fascinating case.” He told Reuters: 

Reuters goes on to identify the artistic style of the altar as "Cosmatesque," a combination of the classical, Byzantine and early Islamic artistic styles. Similar to a mosaic, the Cosmatesque style fills in circular engravings on the rock with tiles of colorful marble and glass.

Previously discovered examples of the Cosmatesque style in Jerusalem have been dated between the 12th and 13th centuries, which may be when the altar was created. Experts believe that the altar was used by Catholic clergymen during the Crusades and the Greek Orthodox until it was damaged by a fire in the early 19th century. 

CNN highlighted the remarks of the chief secretary of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, who hailed the artistic value of the ancient altar: 

A full report of the findings of the Israel Exploration Society is forthcoming. There has been no mention of what will become of the medieval altar, but it could be restored and replaced in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s sanctuary, or perhaps displayed as a historical artifact.