Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a previously unknown early Christian church in the ancient city of Artaxata, near the modern city of Artashat.
In the statement made by the University of Münster, it was reported that the find consisted of an octagonal building with cruciform extensions. Archaeologists from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Münster excavated parts of the church and studied it using geophysical methods.
The Armenian-German research team has been exploring the Hellenistic metropolis of Artaxata in the Ararat Plain since 2018.
“The 4th-century building is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country – sensational evidence for early Christianity in Armenia,” remarked Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster.
Typologically, the find corresponds to early Christian memorial buildings.
“Octagonal churches were unknown here until now, but we are very familiar with them from the Eastern Mediterranean region, where they first appeared in the 4th century AD,” added Dr Mkrtich H. Zardaryan of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.
In the cross-shaped extensions, the researchers discovered wooden platform remains, which were radiocarbon-dated to the mid-4th century AD. The octagonal building, approximately 30 meters in diameter, features a simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles. Marble fragments suggest the church was lavishly decorated, with the material imported from the Mediterranean.
The German-Armenian team has been working in Armenia since September. They plan to continue their excavations, aiming to uncover more details, including the identity of the church’s dedication.
Legend has it that in 301 AD, at Artaxata, Gregory the Illuminator converted Tiridates III, the king of Armenia, to Christianity, making Armenia the first Christian state in the world. . A reminder of this tradition can be found at the medieval monastery of Khor Virap, which is located not far from the now-discovered church. The Artaxiad and Arsacid dynasties ruled the Kingdom of Armenia, with its capital city being Artaxata. During the Hellenistic era, the city grew into a significant metropolis and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia for nearly six centuries.
The excavation project on the settlement archaeology of the ancient city is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.
Cover Image Credit: © Armenian-German Artaxata Project
