A recent archaeological discovery in Armenia has unveiled what is believed to be one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, shedding light on the early days of Christianity in the region. The find occurred at the archaeological site of Artaxata, located in the Ararat Plain near the renowned Khor Virap Monastery, conducted by a team from the University of Münster in Germany in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.
The excavation, which began in 2018, revealed a structure dating back to the 4th century AD, a pivotal period in the history of Christianity when Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion under King Tiridates III. The octagonal building features cross-shaped extensions, a design typical of early Christian churches, with a diameter of approximately 30 meters and a floor made of mortar and terracotta tiles.
Professor Achim Lichtenberger from the University of Münster described the discovery as "sensational evidence of early Christianity in Armenia," highlighting the structure’s age and uniqueness. Geophysical methods have confirmed the presence of wooden platforms in the cross extensions, dated to the mid-4th century AD using carbon-14 dating, providing insights into the building's chronology and original use.
Notably, fragments of imported marble from the Mediterranean basin were found, indicating that the church was lavishly decorated, a rarity for that time and region. This suggests a significant cultural and commercial connection between Armenia and other early Christian regions of the Mediterranean, reinforcing its role as a bridge between East and West.
The significance of this church is profound in Armenia, the world's first Christian state. According to legend, it was in Artaxata where Saint Gregory the Illuminator converted King Tiridates III to Christianity in 301 AD, marking a transformative cultural and religious shift in the region. The proximity of Khor Virap Monastery to the newly discovered church emphasizes Artaxata's importance in the early development of Christianity.
Artaxata, founded in the 2nd century BC, served as the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia for nearly six centuries, flourishing as a metropolis during the Hellenistic period. The city was a vital political and cultural center, and its name signifies "the joy of Arta," with roots in Iranian language.
The ongoing excavations at Artaxata are part of a broader project aimed at enhancing the understanding of the Hellenistic and Christian history of the region, funded by the German Research Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. The archaeological team plans to continue uncovering more sections of the church and hopes to identify the saint or Christian figure to whom it was dedicated.
This discovery provides new insights into Armenia's influence on the spread of Christianity and the cultural exchanges between the Mediterranean and the Caucasus, reinforcing Artaxata's role as a crossroads of cultures and religions in antiquity.