Archaeologists Say They’ve Discovered One of the World’s Oldest Christian Churches!
Unveiling the past: A stunning 2,000-year-old church reveals secrets of early Christianity and ancient architecture! 🌐 #News #History #Faith #Archaeology
ST. PAUL, MN – A recent archaeological find in Armenia has left experts astounded. Researchers have uncovered what is believed to be one of the world’s oldest churches, dating back almost 2,000 years. This remarkable discovery offers new insights into the spread of early Christianity in Armenia and sheds light on the architectural evolution of the time.
Unearthed in the ancient city of Artaxata, the structure is the oldest known church in Armenia and could transform our understanding of the region’s religious history.
A Remarkable Discovery in Artaxata
Archaeologists from Germany’s University of Münster, in collaboration with the Armenian Academy of Sciences, revealed the find during ongoing excavations. They emphasized the importance of this discovery as a significant indicator of early Christianity in Armenia.
The Artaxata project, a research initiative launched in 2018, focuses on studying the history of this once-thriving metropolis, which served as the capital of the ancient Armenian kingdom for centuries.
Significance of the 4th Century Church
The church, believed to have been built in the 4th century A.D., aligns with the timeline of Armenia’s Etchmiadzin Cathedral, often regarded as the oldest cathedral in the world.
Experts noted that the building is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country, showcasing early Christian architecture.
Architectural Insights and Cultural Connections
The unique octagonal shape of the church sets it apart as the first of its kind discovered in Armenia. While this architectural design was common in the eastern Mediterranean during the same period, it had not been seen in Armenia until now. The church, complete with rectangular chambers extending from its sides, may offer clues about the kingdom’s cultural and religious connections.
Spanning roughly 100 feet across, the ancient structure was constructed with mortar flooring made of sand and cement. Its walls were built from terracotta slabs, a material typically sourced from the Mediterranean. Lavish terracotta decorations, likely imported, indicate the importance of the church, and the use of wooden platforms has helped researchers date the building through carbon dating methods.
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