Archaeologists from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Münster (Germany) have uncovered the ruins of an ancient Christian church in the historic city of Artaxata.
Since 2018, the Armenian-German research team has been exploring the Hellenistic metropolis of Artaxata in the Ararat Plain. In this latest discovery, the team excavated parts of the church and studied it using geophysical methods.
The church is octagonal with cross-shaped extensions. Dr. Mkrtich H. Zardaryan from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia stated, “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.”
Evidence of Early Christianity in Armenia
“The 4th-century building is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country – sensational evidence for early Christianity in Armenia,” remarked Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster. And it is, he added, “sensational evidence of early Christianity in Armenia.”
The church, identified as the oldest in Armenia, belongs typologically to early Christian memorial structures. Researchers discovered traces of wooden platforms dating to the mid-4th century AD in the cross-shaped extensions, confirmed through radiocarbon dating.
The octagonal structure, with a diameter of about 30 meters, features a simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles. Marble fragments suggest that the church was lavishly decorated with materials imported from the Mediterranean region.
The Armenian-German team will continue their excavations, hoping to uncover more details, including the identity of the saint to whom the church was dedicated.
The World’s First Christian State
Saint Gregory the Enlightener of Greater Armenia converted the Armenian King Tiridates III to Christianity in Artaxata in 301 AD, making Armenia the first Christian state in the world. The nearby medieval Khor Virap Monastery bears witness to this historical event.
Artaxata served as the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia, ruled by the Artaxiad and Arsacid dynasties. It became a major metropolis during the Hellenistic period and remained the kingdom’s capital for nearly six centuries.
Photo: Armenian-German Artaxata Project
