Secrets of Golgotha
by Ernest L. Martin

Surprising new discoveries locate the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection on the Mt. of Olives. In this thorough examination of the historical and archaeological evidence Martin shows that in the fourth century the Tomb of Jesus lie venerated in the ancient Basilica of the Eleona constructed by the order of Constantine the Great. Its construction proceeded under the direction of the emperor's mother Queen Helena.

While orthodox Christians of Jerusalem were told that the tomb of Jesus lie buried somewhere under the pagan Temple of Venus by Jerusalem bishop Macarios (bishop, CE 314–333) the real tomb escaped notice and the cave-crypt on the Mt. of Olives became confused with the Ascension. Macarios apparently had conceived of a clever way to strike at the heart of the pagan enemies of orthodox Christians by persuading the Emperor that the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth probably was beneath the site of the Temple of Venus.

The bishop wanted this despicable abomination torn down and its cult dispersed but it is doubtful that he ever expected to find any tomb there let alone that of Jesus. When excavators discovered a first-century style tomb with a rolling stone in a stone track to close off the entrance it became politically expedient to identify it as the Tomb of Jesus. This prompted the Emperor to build the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

The evidence Martin develops should provide his readers with a new understanding of the Gospel and the history of early Christianity. His extensive historical research makes the biblical messages come alive as never before and shows that the teachings of the New Testament about the crucifixion are historically true. It presents a central key to understanding the whole of the Bible.

In our opinion this book is one for the library of any serious student of the Bible and its archaeology.

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