Photographs: The Oldest Church in Armenia Discovered

A joint team from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Münster has made a significant discovery in the ancient city of Artashat, unearthing the remains of Armenia's oldest Christian church, dating back to the mid-4th century. This find attests to the early spread of Christianity in Armenia, according to Universität Münster.

It is noted that this early Christian structure is distinguished by its unique octagonal design, previously unknown in Armenia but common along the Eastern Mediterranean during the same period. The excavation team has been working on-site since 2018, studying its Hellenistic and early Christian heritage.

This recent discovery enriches the understanding of Armenia's Christian past and may assist in revealing the church's affiliations, potentially linking it to key figures in Armenian history. The octagonal church, with a diameter of approximately 30 meters, featured a simple plastered floor adorned with mosaic tiles. The luxurious marble decoration, likely imported from the Mediterranean, hints at the building's significance.

Artashat, once the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia, played a central role in the country's history during the Artaxiad and Arsacid dynasties. The research team plans to continue excavations, hoping to uncover additional details about this remarkable site.