Archaeologists have made a stunning discovery in the ancient city of Artaxata, near the modern city of Artashat in Armenia.
While excavating the area, they found the remains of what is believed to be the oldest Christian church in the country, dating back to the 4th century AD.
A team of experts from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Münster has been excavating the site since 2018. Professor Achim Lichtenberger from the University of Münster called it a "sensational find," revealing new insights into early Christianity in Armenia.
The church features a unique octagonal design with cross-shaped extensions, a style common in the Eastern Mediterranean during that time but previously unknown in Armenia.
Photo: Armenian-German Artaxata Project
Dr. Mkrtich H. Zardaryan from the National Academy of Sciences explained that this type of building was new for Armenia but matches early Christian memorial sites found in other parts of the world.
The building, approximately 30 meters wide, had a simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles. Fragments of marble found at the site suggest that the church was richly decorated, with materials brought in from the Mediterranean. Remains of a wooden platform within the structure were radiocarbon-dated to the mid-4th century.
Armenia’s Christian Roots
This discovery adds to Armenia’s significant role in early Christian history. The country is known as the first Christian state in the world, officially adopting Christianity in 301 AD.
According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator converted the Armenian King Tiridates III at Artaxata in 301 AD, cementing Christianity as the country's religion from that point on.
The newly discovered church lies near the famous Khor Virap Monastery, a well-known symbol of Armenia's Christian heritage. Artaxata was once the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia and a key center during the Hellenistic period.
The excavation is being funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. The team plans to continue their work to uncover more details about this ancient church, including its possible dedication.
This discovery is a major step toward understanding how Christianity spread in Armenia and provides a deeper look into the architecture of the time.
