 In 2004, the Israeli West Bank barrier was built across Eizariya's main road, curtailing the commerce in the strip of shops along the road, which drew both Arab and Jewish customers.Archaeological excavations between 1949 and 1953, directed by Father Sylvester J. Saller for the Franciscans of the Holy Land, revealed details of the previous Christian places of worship erected near the tomb.Four superimposed churches were discovered to the east of Lazarus's tomb, the earliest dated to the 4th or 5th century.