EGN NEWS DESK
Archaeologists have uncovered one of many world’s oldest Christian church buildings within the historical metropolis of Artaxata, Armenia, providing outstanding perception into the unfold of early Christianity. The discovery is hailed because the nation’s oldest documented church, relationship again to the 4th century AD, when Armenia grew to become the primary nation to undertake Christianity as its state faith.
This groundbreaking discover is the results of a joint effort between the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and Germany’s University of Münster, as a part of the Armenian-German Artaxata Project.
Since 2018, the crew has been excavating the positioning and just lately uncovered the stays of an octagonal church with cruciform extensions – a construction beforehand unknown in Armenia however attribute of early Christian structure within the Eastern Mediterranean.
“The constructing, which dates again to the 4th century, is the oldest archaeologically documented church within the nation – a sensational testimony to early Christianity in Armenia,” remarked Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster. Dr Mkrtich Zardaryan of the Armenian Academy of Sciences echoed this pleasure, noting that “Octagonal church buildings had been unknown right here till now, however we’re very acquainted with them from the Eastern Mediterranean area, the place they first appeared within the 4th century AD.”
The church, which measures roughly 30 metres throughout, featured a easy mortar flooring and was lavishly embellished with imported marble and terracotta tiles. These supplies, radiocarbon dated to the mid-4th century, underline the construction’s significance and the early affect of Christianity within the area. Notably, the stays of wood platforms found within the cross-shaped extensions additional affirm its historical origins.
Located close to the historic Khor Virap Monastery and the positioning the place Gregory the Illuminator is alleged to have transformed King Tiridates III to Christianity in AD 301, this church’s discovery serves as a strong reminder of Armenia’s pivotal position within the early Christian world.
Artaxata, the capital of the traditional Armenian kingdom, flourished as a Hellenistic metropolis and remained a major hub for hundreds of years. This discovery reveals extra insights into early Christian structure and highlights Armenia’s position as a Christian stronghold.
As excavations proceed, researchers hope to uncover extra particulars, together with the id of the church’s unique dedication.
Each new discovery guarantees to shed additional mild on Armenia’s early historical past and the numerous architectural developments – notably in regard to locations of worship – that helped form the expansion of Christianity within the area.
