A Monk Investigates the Cave of Machpelah, 1150
“Arnulf had found a marvelous treasure beyond price. He hurried out of the cavern and told the prior and the monks that he had indeed discovered the remains of the venerable patriarchs. Thereupon they all praised God for what He had done. Arnulf washed the sacred relics in water and wine, and then set them on separate wooden boards prepared for the occasion, and went away.
Hershel Shanks, “Reading Robert Payne Without Embarrassment,” BAR, Sep 1977.
See also-
Patriarchal Burial Site Explored for First Time in 700 Years, Nancy Miller, BAR 11-03, May-Jun 1985.