Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery in Armenia.
A joint team from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Münster in Germany has uncovered the remains of an early Christian church in the ancient city of Artaxata. This find is significant because it is the oldest church ever discovered in Armenia, dating back to the 4th century AD.
The church is unique in Armenia because of its octagonal shape, which has never been seen in the region before.
Octagonal churches were more common in the Eastern Mediterranean area, where they first appeared around the 4th century.
The building also has cruciform (cross-shaped) extensions, adding to its unusual design.
The archaeologists used various techniques, including geophysical methods, to study the site.
They found wooden platforms in the cross-shaped extensions, which were radiocarbon dated to the mid-4th century.
The church, around 30 meters in diameter, had a simple floor made of mortar and was decorated with terracotta tiles. Some pieces of marble, likely imported from the Mediterranean, suggest the church was lavishly decorated.
Professor Achim Lichtenberger from the University of Münster described the discovery as “sensational evidence” of early Christianity in Armenia. Dr. Mkrtich H. Zardaryan of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia added that this type of church is new to the area.
This newly discovered church is located near the famous Khor Virap Monastery, which stands at the foot of Mount Ararat.
This monastery is tied to the story of Gregory the Illuminator, who is said to have converted the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity in 301 AD, making Armenia the first Christian nation.
The archaeologists have been working at Artaxata since 2018 and hope to continue their research, searching for more clues about the church, including to whom it was dedicated.
