Archeologists just stumbled open a site that could answer a ton of questions about Christian history – and they believe it could be the oldest Christian church we’ve ever discovered.
At a glance:
- Archaeologists uncovered a fourth-century Christian church in Armenia, believed to be one of the oldest in the world.
- The octagonal structure, unearthed at the Artaxata site, highlights Armenia’s role as the first Christian state.
- The discovery offers crucial insight into early Christian architecture, revealing lavish decorations and Mediterranean imports.
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of what they believe to be one of the world’s oldest Christian churches, dating back nearly 2,000 years. This groundbreaking discovery took place in Armenia at the Artaxata site, where a joint team from Germany’s University of Münster and the Armenian Academy of Sciences has been excavating since 2018.
The fourth-century church is octagonal in shape, a rarity in Armenia, and features cruciform extensions. This architectural style, which has previously been associated with early Christian memorials in the eastern Mediterranean, further emphasizes its historical importance. Measuring around 100 feet in diameter, the church had a floor made of mortar and terracotta tiles and was likely decorated lavishly, as fragments of marble imported from the Mediterranean were found at the site.
The discovery offers significant evidence of early Christianity in Armenia, which was the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD. According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator converted the Armenian king Tiridates III in the ancient city of Artaxata. The site of the excavation is near the Khor Virap Monastery, a significant religious landmark, reinforcing the region’s deep Christian roots.
The discovery of this ancient church, with its unique architecture and rich historical context, is a testament to Armenia’s long-standing Christian heritage and offers new insights into the early spread of Christianity.