Shrapnel from ballistic missiles fired by Iran fell around Old Jerusalem, near some of its most sacred and ancient Christian, Muslim and Jewish sites. While no casualties or major damage were reported, photos show part of a missile lying on the red-tiled roof of a house adjacent to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. The ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran has already damaged some of the most treasured and protected sites, such as the 14th century Golestan Palace, the 17th century Ali Qapu Palace and the Chehel Sotoun palace and garden. The destruction of cultural heritage is concerning, with these sites protected under international law. In the latest incident, while no evident damage was done to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre after shrapnel fell in the walled city of Jerusalem, these sites remain an important part of our history and need to be protected. And, this incident has brought focus to the religious and cultural importance of this site. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest site for Christians. According to the church’s website, its “origins date back to the early 4th century CE, during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (306–337 CE), following Constantine’s conversion to Christianity and the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.” Constantine ordered the construction of a magnificent church at this site around 326–335 CE. The original Constantinian complex consisted of two connected structures, the Anastasis and the Martyrium. Over the years, the church underwent many changes and evolved through centuries, being destroyed and rebuilt several times. “The first major destruction came in 614 CE when Persian forces under Khosrow II invaded Jerusalem. The church was damaged, and portions were destroyed during this invasion. Emperor Heraclius recaptured Jerusalem in 630 CE and initiated reconstruction efforts, though on a more modest scale than Constantine’s original church,” states the church’s website. In 1009 CE, a complete demolition of the church was ordered by Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. The shrine over the tomb was cut down to the bedrock, and much of the original structure was destroyed. The church was rebuilt by Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomachus between 1042 and 1048 CE. It was a much smaller construction than the original. A small shrine has enclosed and protected the rock-cut tomb since that time. “The entire church, including the Edicule, was destroyed and rebuilt from its foundations in the eleventh century, and it was later modified further by the Crusaders,” states the World Monuments Fund. It also adds, “The Edicule was rebuilt twice since then, and the current structure dates from 1810. It was built in an Ottoman Baroque style by a Greek architect after the previous structure was damaged in a fire. The small building encloses two spaces: the Tomb Chamber, to which access is gained through the Chapel of the Angel, matching the account of the Christian Gospels.” The church consists of several sacred sites, including the tomb of Christ, revered as the site of his burial and resurrection. It also includes Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, the Stone of Anointing where his body was prepared for burial, the Prison of Christ, the Chapel of St Helena and the Chapel of Adam. The church follows a governance structure known as the Status Quo. This was established through various Ottoman decrees in the 18th and 19th centuries and was also recognised in the Treaty of Berlin (1878). According to the church’s website, under this arrangement, six Christian denominations share control of the church: