The Crusaders Arrive
Image idea: Crusader knights or Crusader-era stonework.
The Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099. Over the next 50 years, they rebuilt the church and joined its holy spots together under one roof.
Much of the church that visitors walk through today still follows the Crusaders’ design. Some experts first thought the hidden slab found in 2016 might date from their time.
Their rebuilding turned the church into one large building, rather than several separate spaces. Many of the arches, columns and chapels from their time are still in use.