Jerusalem stands as Christianity's most sacred city, where the profound mystery of the True Cross continues to captivate archaeologists and pilgrims alike. This ancient city, witness to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection nearly 2,000 years ago, holds secrets that have drawn investigators from around the world in search of fragments from the very cross that changed history forever.
Jerusalem is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, situated on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. The Old City, rebuilt with its current walls in 1538 under Suleiman the Magnificent, is divided into four quarters—Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim—and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. As of 2024, Jerusalem had a population of approximately 1,050,153, with the city considered sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Gates investigated the city in his search for fragments or evidence of the True Cross, the wooden cross on which Jesus is believed to have been crucified around 30-33 CE, exploring Christian holy sites and traditions tied to the crucifixion and resurrection.
First settlement evidence in the area called City of David, with encampments of nomadic shepherds
Jerusalem named as Urusalim on ancient Egyptian tablets during the Canaanite period
According to Hebrew Bible tradition, King David conquers the city and establishes it as capital of the United Kingdom of Israel
Believed date of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection in Jerusalem, establishing the city's centrality to Christianity
City walls rebuilt for the last time under Suleiman the Magnificent, defining today's Old City
Old City of Jerusalem designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Gates investigates Jerusalem's Christian holy sites for evidence of the True Cross (Expedition Unknown S02E10)
Jerusalem's significance to Christianity centers on the events of the first century CE, when according to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified and resurrected in the city. The site traditionally identified as Calvary (Golgotha) now lies within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a complex built and rebuilt over centuries. Mainstream historical scholarship confirms Jerusalem as a major center of early Christianity, though pinpointing exact locations of Gospel events remains challenging given the city's destruction by the Romans in 70 CE and subsequent rebuilding. Archaeological evidence from the period exists, but connecting specific structures to Gospel narratives requires careful analysis of literary sources, archaeological finds, and centuries of tradition.
The True Cross itself—the wooden cross on which Jesus was crucified—became one of Christianity's most significant relics after Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, reportedly discovered it in Jerusalem around 326-328 CE. According to tradition, Helena identified the True Cross through a miracle, and portions were distributed to churches across the Christian world. Historians note that by the medieval period, so many supposed True Cross fragments existed that John Calvin famously quipped there was enough wood "to make a full load for a good ship." The historical question is not whether Jesus was crucified—Roman crucifixion is well-documented—but whether any wood fragments today genuinely date to that specific cross.
Gates' investigation explored both the traditions surrounding the True Cross and the challenges of authentication. Carbon dating can establish the age of wood, but cannot prove which specific cross a fragment came from or who was crucified on it. The episode examined various claimed relics across Christian sites in Jerusalem and beyond, consulting with historians and theologians about the provenance and documentation of these artifacts. The challenge with relic authentication is that even if a fragment dates to the first century CE and came from a crucifixion cross, definitively connecting it to Jesus requires documentation chains that often don't survive two millennia.
What Expedition Unknown contributed to the True Cross investigation was a journalistic survey of the existing evidence and expert opinion, rather than new archaeological findings. Gates' approach respected both the profound religious significance these relics hold for believers and the historical difficulties in verification. The episode illustrated how faith, tradition, and empirical evidence intersect in relic studies—some fragments have credible provenance documentation, others rely primarily on tradition, and many fall somewhere between. Jerusalem itself remains central to this investigation as the city where, according to Christian belief and historical consensus, the crucifixion occurred.
Jerusalem has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, and attacked 52 times throughout its history.
The current Old City walls were built in 1538 under Suleiman the Magnificent and have defined the historic center for nearly 500 years.
Jerusalem is considered holy to all three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—making it one of the most religiously significant cities in the world.
The City of David, the oldest settled part of Jerusalem, shows evidence of habitation dating back to the 4th millennium BCE with encampments of nomadic shepherds.
Jerusalem's Old City is accessible to visitors, with the Christian Quarter containing major pilgrimage sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to encompass both Calvary and Jesus's tomb. The area is walkable, though narrow streets can be crowded, especially during religious holidays. Given the complex political situation and security considerations, travelers should check current advisories and respect the religious significance of sites to multiple faith communities.
Jerusalem is itself a major city; Tel Aviv is approximately 54 kilometers (34 miles) to the northwest.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer moderate temperatures for exploring Jerusalem's outdoor and covered sites, though Easter and Passover bring significant crowds. Summer can be very hot, while winter is mild but occasionally rainy.
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls, inscribed 1981; on List of World Heritage in Danger)
Sea of Galilee
Another significant biblical site in the Holy Land, central to the life and ministry of Jesus as described in the Gospels.
Mount Sinai
Major biblical location associated with Moses and the Ten Commandments, part of the broader Holy Land investigations exploring sites from Judeo-Christian scripture.
Alexandria
Important early Christian center in the ancient world where Saint Mark is traditionally believed to have established one of Christianity's earliest churches.
Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring Jerusalem's outdoor historical sites.
Travel tip: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and carry a head covering, as many sacred locations require appropriate attire for entry.
Historical data sourced from Wikipedia