Archaeologists from Germany and Armenia have made a remarkable discovery in the ancient Armenian city of Artaxata: the remains of a previously unknown early Christian church. This significant find includes an octagonal building with cruciform extensions, believed to date back to the 4th century, making it the oldest archaeologically documented church in Armenia.
The discovery of the octagonal church structure has captivated researchers due to its uniqueness in Armenia. “The 4th century building is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country – sensational evidence for early Christianity in Armenia,” said Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster. Dr Mkrtich H. Zardaryan of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia further explained, “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.”
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The building, measuring approximately 30 metres in diameter, is believed to have served as a memorial church. Researchers uncovered wooden platforms in the cross-shaped extensions, which were radiocarbon dated to the mid-4th century AD. Though the church had a simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles, marble fragments discovered at the site suggest that the structure was once lavishly adorned with materials imported from the Mediterranean.
A preliminary reconstruction shows the late antique church of Artaxata. Photo by Armenian-German Artaxata Project
This discovery adds a new layer of understanding to Armenia’s early Christian history. Artaxata, once the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia, has long been connected to the country’s Christian heritage. According to legend, it was in Artaxata that Gregory the Illuminator converted the Armenian king, Tiridates III, to Christianity in 301 AD, establishing Armenia as the world’s first Christian state.
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The proximity of the medieval monastery of Khor Virap to the church serves as a reminder of this Christian tradition. Khor Virap is renowned for its association with Gregory the Illuminator, further highlighting Artaxata’s historical and religious significance.
The Armenian-German research team has been exploring Artaxata, which is located in southwest Armenia, since 2018. The current excavation began in September, and the team hopes to make more discoveries, including learning about whom the church was dedicated to.
One of the annex buildings of the church with a wooden podium. Photo by Armenian-German Artaxata Project
Top Image: Khor Virap Monastery, at the foot of Mount Ararat, is very close to the newly discovered church. Photo courtesy Armenian-German Artaxata Project
Archaeologists from Germany and Armenia have made a remarkable discovery in the ancient Armenian city of Artaxata: the remains of a previously unknown early Christian church. This significant find includes an octagonal building with cruciform extensions, believed to date back to the 4th century, making it the oldest archaeologically documented church in Armenia.
The discovery of the octagonal church structure has captivated researchers due to its uniqueness in Armenia. “The 4th century building is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country – sensational evidence for early Christianity in Armenia,” said Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster. Dr Mkrtich H. Zardaryan of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia further explained, “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.”
The building, measuring approximately 30 metres in diameter, is believed to have served as a memorial church. Researchers uncovered wooden platforms in the cross-shaped extensions, which were radiocarbon dated to the mid-4th century AD. Though the church had a simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles, marble fragments discovered at the site suggest that the structure was once lavishly adorned with materials imported from the Mediterranean.
This discovery adds a new layer of understanding to Armenia’s early Christian history. Artaxata, once the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia, has long been connected to the country’s Christian heritage. According to legend, it was in Artaxata that Gregory the Illuminator converted the Armenian king, Tiridates III, to Christianity in 301 AD, establishing Armenia as the world’s first Christian state.
The proximity of the medieval monastery of Khor Virap to the church serves as a reminder of this Christian tradition. Khor Virap is renowned for its association with Gregory the Illuminator, further highlighting Artaxata’s historical and religious significance.
The Armenian-German research team has been exploring Artaxata, which is located in southwest Armenia, since 2018. The current excavation began in September, and the team hopes to make more discoveries, including learning about whom the church was dedicated to.
As the research continues, this ancient Christian church promises to provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural landscape of early Christian Armenia. Click here to learn more about the Armenian German Artaxata Project.
Top Image: Khor Virap Monastery, at the foot of Mount Ararat, is very close to the newly discovered church. Photo courtesy Armenian-German Artaxata Project
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