Discoveries in Armenia Reveal World's Oldest Church, Dating Back Nearly 2,000 Years

Recent excavations in the ancient city of Artaxata, Armenia, have yielded the remarkable discovery of a church dating back to the 4th century A.D., making it the oldest documented church in the country and one of the oldest in the world. The archaeological endeavor was a collaborative effort between Germany's University of Münster and the Armenian Academy of Sciences, with the findings announced on a Friday, heralded as a "sensational testimony to early Christianity in Armenia."

Archaeologists uncover one of the world's oldest churches

The digging took place in Artaxata, a once-thriving city that served as the capital of the ancient Armenian kingdom. The excavations formed part of the larger Armenian-German Artaxata Project, an initiative initiated in 2018 to delve into the area's historical significance. The recently discovered church is believed to have been built at the same time as the legendary Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the first cathedral of the ancient kingdom, often regarded as the oldest in the world.

Architectural Significance

The octagonal shape of the church, with rectangular chambers extending from four sides, marks it as a unique architectural find in Armenia. According to Mkrtich Zardaryan of the Armenian Academy of Sciences, this is the first known octagonal church in the country, with a design reminiscent of similar structures found in the eastern Mediterranean dating back to the 4th century.

Measuring approximately 100 feet across, the ancient church featured mortar flooring predominantly composed of sand and cement, while the walls were constructed from thick slabs of terracotta, a clay material sourced from regions such as Greece and Italy. The presence of original materials at the site suggests that the church was lavishly adorned with terracotta, indicating a level of sophistication and trade with the Mediterranean.

The discovery holds immense potential for enhancing our understanding of Armenia's history. The architectural design, reminiscent of early Christian memorial buildings, provides valuable insights into the region's cultural and religious developments during the 4th century. Furthermore, the findings challenge existing notions of ancient Armenian churches, offering a fresh perspective on their architectural evolution and cultural exchanges.