Church dating back to 2000 years found in Armenia: oldest in the world
Archaeologists in Armenia have discovered one of the oldest churches in the world, which existed for approximately 2000 years. The remains of this church were found in Artaxat and are an important testament to early Christianity in the country.
A joint team of archaeologists from the University of Münster and the Armenian Academy of Sciences discovered an octagonal building with cruciform extensions. This is reported by Interesting Engineering.
Using geophysical methods, the team explored parts of the previously unknown church, as reported by Interesting Engineering. Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Munster said that this 4th century building is the oldest church in Armenia and a sensational testimony to early Christianity.
Archaeologists have found that the discovery corresponds to the typology of early Christian memorial structures. In the cruciform annexes, the researchers found the remains of wooden platforms dated to the mid-4th century AD by radiocarbon dating. The octagonal building, about 30 meters in diameter, had a simple mortar floor and terracotta tiles. Finds of marble indicate that the building was lavishly decorated with materials probably brought from the Mediterranean.
The remains of wooden platforms and clay helped confirm the building's ancient origin using radiocarbon dating.
As a reminder, archaeologists have found a square dating back to the Ancient Roman era in Spain.
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