- Archaeologists have uncovered a fourth-century Christian church in Armenia, which is believed to be the nation’s most ancient.
- It is thought that Armenia became the first Christian nation globally following King Tiridates III’s conversion to Christianity.
- The building’s octagonal design was not typical for the nearby region; however, it was more prevalent among churches globally since the numeral eight carried significant symbolism in Biblical contexts.
Due to clear circumstances, the aspects of life and death
Jesus Christ
has had a substantial influence on global culture, encompassing architecture as well.
Early Christian churches
were frequently designed in an octagonal shape, a form that served as an early Christian church symbol representing both the resurrection of Jesus and the broader concept of life’s renewal.
Recently, archaeologists uncovered such a structure in Armenia’s historic city of Artaxata, which was recognized as the first Christian state globally.
Tracing back to the middle of the fourth century AD, this structure stands as the earliest recorded church discovered through archaeological means in the nation. This finding adds further proof regarding the advent of Christianity in Armenia, according to Achim Lichtenberger, a professor from the University of Münster.
statement
.
Square-shaped churches were unheard of in this area up till now,” stated Mkrtich Zardaryan from the National Academy of Sciences in Armenia, “however, we are quite acquainted with them from the Eastern Mediterranean region, where they initially emerged in the 4th century AD.
In
a biblical context
The numeral eight frequently represents renewal; therefore, the octagon became an important emblem in early Christian churches. Additionally, the octagonal design, as opposed to a rectangular one, provides more space within the central part of the structure.
a church
By the fourth century, this form had become a standard foundational design for early churches.
The discovery in Armenia, dated using radiocarbon methods to around the middle of the fourth century AD, includes an approximately 100-foot-wide octagonal building featuring a basic mortar flooring along with terracotta roof tiles. Experts observed traces of wooden platforms within the cross-like projections. Additionally, fragments of marble were unearthed, indicating that the church was adorned elaborately with materials brought over from the Mediterranean region.
Experts think that around 301 AD, Gregory the Illuminator persuaded King Tiridates III of Armenia to embrace Christianity in Artaxata, which made Armenia the globe’s first officially Christian nation. As Artaxata served as the kingdom’s capital for many years, it naturally became an important center in the area and seemed fitting for such religious significance. This theory gains further credibility from the proximity of Khor Virap, an ancient monastery, to this recently unearthed place of worship.
Since 2018, teams from Germany and Armenia have been investigating Artaxata located in the Ararat region. The excavation crew arrived at this location in September with the aim of uncovering more details regarding the structure, particularly its dedication.
