In the heart of Armenia’s Ararat Plain, archaeologists have unveiled a remarkable testament to early Christianity: a fourth-century church that stands among the oldest ever discovered. This significant find offers profound insights into the architectural and spiritual life of one of the world’s earliest Christian nations.​

A Collaborative Revelation

The discovery emerged from a joint excavation by the University of Münster and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. While the Artaxata site had been under study since 2018, it wasn’t until recently that the church’s remains were fully recognized and documented. The structure’s unique octagonal design, complemented by cruciform extensions, aligns with early Christian memorial architecture, marking it as a site of considerable historical importance. ​

Architectural and Cultural Significance

Measuring nearly 100 feet in diameter, the church’s floor comprises mortar and terracotta tiles, materials indicative of Roman and early Christian construction techniques. Notably, fragments of imported Mediterranean marble suggest the church was once richly adorned, reflecting both the community’s devotion and its connections to broader trade networks.

Historical Context

Radiocarbon dating of wooden platforms within the church places its origin in the mid-4th century AD, a period shortly after Armenia’s adoption of Christianity as the state religion in 301 AD. This timing underscores the church’s role in the early establishment of Christian worship in the region. Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster emphasized the discovery’s significance, noting it as the oldest archaeologically documented church in Armenia. ​

A Legacy Unearthed

The church’s proximity to the medieval monastery of Khor Virap, a site associated with Saint Gregory the Illuminator’s conversion of King Tiridates III, further cements its place in Armenia’s rich Christian history. As excavations continue, this discovery not only enriches our understanding of early Christian architecture but also reaffirms Armenia’s pivotal role in the faith’s development.​

This ancient church stands as a monumental link to the past, offering scholars and believers alike a tangible connection to the origins of Christian worship and the enduring legacy of Armenia’s spiritual heritage.