A New Tomb in a Garden
The Gospels say Jesus was buried in a new tomb cut into rock. It was in a garden, close to the place where he was crucified, and outside the city walls.
Wealthy Jewish families in that time often used tombs like this. A body was placed on a stone shelf inside a small cave, and a large stone closed the entrance.
The Gospels also say the tomb belonged to a rich follower named Joseph of Arimathea. This detail matters to archaeologists, because it tells them what to look for: a family tomb cut into the rock, not far from the city.