A press release published Friday detailed the discovery of the first and long-lost Christian community building in the Arabian Gulf.
Research conducted by British and Bahraini archaeologists in the Samahij village in Bahrain revealed what is believed to be one of the earliest Christian buildings in the region, representing evidence of a long-lost community, that was likely occupied from the mid-4th to mid-8th centuries, according to a press release from the University of Exeter. This was a time prior to and during the early rise of Islam in 610 CE.
The researchers believe the community was likely part of the Church of the East, which is sometimes referred to as the Nestorian Church, the press release notes. Excavations revealed a large building containing at least eight rooms, including a kitchen, dining room, three living rooms and a potential work room.
Archaeologists led by Professor Timothy Insoll from @ExeterIAIS have uncovered one of the earliest Christian buildings in the Arabian Gulf – the first physical evidence of a long-lost communityhttps://t.co/6hywbFYGgz
— University of Exeter News (@UniofExeterNews) July 12, 2024
Little is known about the occupants of the property, other than that they had a high standard of living. The building is well constructed and survived having a mosque built atop of it in later years. The residents ate pork, which ended after the rise of Islam, as well as fish, shellfish and crops that are currently being analyzed.
Items in the space imply trade with India and possibly other nations. Glassware, copper coins dating to the Sasanian Empire, spindles and more treasures revealed themselves as the research continued. (RELATED: ‘Wiped Out In The Blink Of An Eye’: Archaeologist Claims He Has Found The Biblical City Of Sodom)
Three plaster crosses were discovered, along with what appears to be a Chi-Rho and a fish graffitied on the wall, both being early Christian symbols. “This is the first physical evidence found of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain and gives a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and worshiped,” University of Exeter professor Timothy Insoll said in the release. A museum is being developed at the site to preserve the discovery and plans to open in 2025.
