Khor Virap Monastery, at the foot of Mount Ararat, is very close to the newly discovered church and preserves the memory of the Armenian king’s conversion to Christianity. (Armenian-German Artaxata Project)
Archaeologists from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Münster in Germany have uncovered the remains of an ancient Christian church in Artaxata, Armenia. The octagonal structure, dating back to the 4th century, is the oldest church ever discovered in the country. This groundbreaking find sheds new light on the early history of Christianity in Armenia. While octagonal churches were previously unknown in Armenia, they are a common feature in the Eastern Mediterranean region, suggesting potential cultural exchange.
Typologically, the find corresponds to early Christian memorial buildings, explained the archeologists. In the cross-shaped extensions, the researchers discovered the remains of wooden platforms, which were radiocarbon dated to the mid-4th century AD. The octagonal building, around 30 meters in diameter, had a simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles. Findings of marble indicate that it was lavishly decorated with this material imported from the Mediterranean. The German-Armenian team has been in Armenia since September. They will continue their excavations and hope to make new discoveries, including the question of to whom the church was dedicated.
Armenia holds a unique place in Christian history as the world’s first officially Christian state. This deep-rooted connection to Christianity has significantly shaped the country’s culture, traditions, and architecture.
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According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator converted King Tiridates III of Armenia to Christianity in Artaxata in 301 AD, establishing Armenia as the world’s first Christian nation. The nearby medieval monastery of Khor Virap commemorates this historic event. Artaxata, once the capital of the Armenian Kingdom under the Artaxiad and Arsacid dynasties, flourished during the Hellenistic period and served as the capital for nearly six centuries.
Armenia boasts a rich architectural legacy, with numerous monasteries and churches dotting the landscape. These structures often showcase unique styles influenced by Byzantine, Persian, and Armenian traditions.
The Armenian-German research team has been exploring the Hellenistic metropolis of Artaxata in the Ararat Plain since 2018. The excavation project on the settlement archaeology of the ancient city is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.
