Archaeologists have reportedly uncovered one of the world’s oldest known Christian churches in Artaxata city in Armenia, and the structure dates back to the mid-fourth century.
Experts have started calling it the oldest archaeologically church in the country, and believe it can help give important insights into the early spread of the religion in the area. The site is located near the medieval monastery of Khor Virap in the Ararat Plain, and researchers from the University of Munster in Germany and Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences have been working on the project since 2018.
However, the church itself was discovered recently – in September 2024. What makes the discovery remarkable is the church’s octagonal structure, which was apparently common in early Christian architecture but has not been previously documented in Armenia. As per reports, archaeologist Mkrtich Zardaryan said that octagonal churches had been unknown in the area until now.
He said experts were quite familiar with such structures from the Eastern Mediterranean region, where they first emerged in the fourth century. Mkrtich Zardaryan, who is associated with the National Academy of Sciences, said this architectural style was thought to have symbolic importance, as the number eight often represents rebirth in Christian tradition.
The church is believed to have served an important role in early Christian practices, with its octagonal shape allowing for a larger central area, possibly to accommodate more worshippers. Early churches of this type often became places of pilgrimage, mostly because Christianity spread rapidly during that period. The structure’s layout, which spans a diameter of approximately 100 feet, suggests that it was both functional (served practical purposes like gathering and praying) and symbolic, incorporating main elements of early Christian faith and practice.
Armenia was the first nation to have officially adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301AD. This transformation is traditionally credited to Gregory the Illuminator. Artaxata, the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia at the time, was a major political and cultural center, which makes it a likely location for one of the earliest Christian churches. Scholars believe this newly-discovered church may be tied to the period following Armenia’s conversion to Christianity, offering evidence of the religion’s influence on the region.
Achim Lichtenberger, a professor at the University of Munster and part of the excavation team, stated that the discovery of this church provides valuable new data on how Christianity spread in Armenia. He said the architectural style, coupled with the historical importance of Artaxata, shows how important the city was in the early Christian world. Although many historical texts mention churches built during this time, finding an actual physical structure from the fourth century is rare.
The remains of this church reportedly offer a tangible link to Armenia’s religious past. The octagonal church, which has been radiocarbon-dated to the mid-fourth century, features a simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles, suggesting it was designed with both simplicity and grandeur in mind. Interestingly, researchers discovered cross-shaped extensions around the structure that reportedly contained the remains of wooden platforms, possibly used for altars or as seating for clergy.
Moreover, fragments of marble found at the site suggest the church was adorned with imported materials from the Mediterranean. This level of decoration implies that the church may have been a prominent and wealthy institution, perhaps sponsored by local rulers or influential figures in the early Christian church. The excavation team wants to explore the site further in the coming months, with a particular focus on determining who the church may have been dedicated to.
They hope to uncover any associated religious artifacts. The region of Khor Virap is famously known as the site where Gregory was kept captive before he converted King Tiridates III. Despite these promising findings, archaeologists remain cautious. While the evidence suggests that this site played a significant role in the early Christian church, more excavation is needed to confirm its exact purpose and historical significance.