Archaeologists in Armenia have unearthed a Christian church dating back to the fourth century, believed to be the oldest documented in the country, offering new insights into early Christian architecture and the region's religious history.

A recent dig by the University of Münster and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia at the Artaxata site has revealed an ancient church from the fourth century, Fox News reported.

The University of Münster announced the find, which was made in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, on October 11. This discovery was part of an archaeological project that began in 2018 at the Artaxata site, located in the Ararat Plain. Renowned for its historical richness, the Artaxata area was once the capital during the Artaxiad and Arsacid dynasties of Armenia.

Ground-Breaking Discovery at Artaxata

The unearthed structure is an octagonal building adorned with cruciform extensions, a typical design for early Christian memorial buildings, as explained by the University of Münster. Such architectural features suggest that the building was not only a place of worship but also a significant memorial site in early Christian times.

Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster emphasized the building's historical importance, stating, "The 4th-century building is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country – sensational evidence for early Christianity in Armenia." This find not only highlights the architectural practices of the time but, more importantly, the early adoption of Christianity in the region.

Ancient Techniques Reveal the Church's Design and Age

Archaeologists used geophysical methods and partial excavations to unravel the structure’s details. The church measures about 100 feet in diameter, marked by a floor of mortar and terracotta tiles. Additionally, the presence of marble fragments imported from the Mediterranean indicates that the site was once lavishly decorated, signifying its importance during the fourth century.

Archaeologists subjected the remains of wooden platforms found within the cruciform extensions of the church to radiocarbon dating, confirming their origin in the mid-fourth century AD. This method provided the precise dating that helped confirm the building's age and its significance as an early Christian site.

Artaxata's Historical Significance and Early Christianity

According to historical records detailed by the University of Münster, Artaxata has a legendary connection to the origins of Christianity in Armenia. "According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator converted the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity in Artaxata in 301 AD, making Armenia the first Christian state in the world," the university described.

This archaeological find reinforces Artaxata's role as a significant early center of Christianity in Armenia, providing a richer context to the discovery. The proximity of the site to the medieval monastery of Khor Virap, merely a stone's throw away, is a testament to the enduring religious significance of the area.

Archaeological Methods Illuminate Early Christian Life

The discovery not only sheds light on the architectural style and religious practices of the era but also opens a window into the daily lives of early Christians in Armenia. The elaborate decorations and the strategic urban location of the church suggest it was a focal point of Christian worship and a significant monument in the Artaxata capital during the reign of the Artaxiad and Arsacid dynasties.

The collaboration between the German and Armenian teams has been pivotal in uncovering the layers of history buried at Artaxata. The interdisciplinary approach combining traditional excavation techniques with modern radiocarbon dating has painted a more comprehensive picture of early Christian architecture and its evolution over the centuries in Armenia.

Continued Excavations Expected to Reveal More

Archaeologists expect the ongoing excavations at Artaxata to reveal further details about the church and its surroundings. Furthermore, as they uncover more of the site, archaeologists anticipate finding additional artifacts that could offer deeper insights into the Christian and cultural heritage of the region. Moreover, the remarkable discovery not only highlights the historical depth of the Ararat Plain but also places Armenia more prominently on the map of early Christian archaeology.

In addition, this archaeological milestone promises to enhance our understanding of the early Christian community in Armenia and its significant role in the broader history of Christianity. Consequently, the work at Artaxata will continue to unveil stories buried for centuries, providing a clearer picture of the ancient past and its lasting impact on modern religious landscapes.