Archaeologists have recently uncovered what could be one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, a discovery that sheds light on the early spread of Christianity in Armenia, the first country to officially adopt the faith.
The University of Münster in Germany, working alongside archaeologists from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, announced the significant find on October 11, detailing the remains of a fourth-century church unearthed at the ancient Artaxata site in the Ararat Plain.
The church is characterized by an octagonal design with cruciform extensions, features typical of early Christian memorial buildings. The excavation team, which has been working at the site since 2018, discovered wooden platforms in the cross-shaped extensions that radiocarbon dating places around the mid-4th century AD.
The building itself, made of mortar and terracotta tiles, measures roughly 100 feet in diameter and was found to contain fragments of imported marble, suggesting it was a “lavishly decorated” structure, likely serving a prominent role in the early Christian community.
Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster called the discovery “sensational evidence” of early Christianity in Armenia, emphasizing the historical importance of the find. The church is now the oldest archaeologically documented Christian building in the country.
This discovery is particularly significant given Armenia’s role in Christian history. According to legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator converted King Tiridates III to Christianity in 301 AD, making Armenia the world’s first Christian state.
The church at Artaxata, found near the medieval monastery of Khor Virap, is a direct link to this ancient tradition. Artaxata itself was the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia, ruled by the Artaxiad and Arsacid dynasties, and played a key role as a major city in the region during the Hellenistic period.
The discovery of this early Christian church not only highlights Armenia’s pioneering role in Christian history but also provides a rare glimpse into the architectural and cultural developments of Christianity in the fourth century.
As the excavation continues, this site may offer even more insight into how early Christian communities lived and worshipped, marking a milestone in our understanding of ancient Christian heritage.
