Archaeologists have discovered the ruins of a previously unknown early Christian church in the ancient city of Artaxata, near the modern city of Artashat.
 
In a statement from the University of Munster (Germany), it is reported that the find was an octagonal building with cruciform extensions. Archaeologists from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Munster excavated parts of the church and studied it using geophysical methods.
 
An Armenian-German research group has been studying the Hellenistic metropolis of Artaxata on the Ararat Plain since 2018.
 
"The IV century building is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country — sensational evidence of early Christianity in Armenia," said Professor Achim Lichtenberger from the University of Munster.
 
Typologically, the find corresponds to early Christian memorial structures.
 
"Until now, octagonal churches were unknown here, but we are well acquainted with them in the Eastern Mediterranean region, where they first appeared in the IV century AD," added Mkrtich G. Zardaryan from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.
 
In the cruciform extensions, the researchers found the remains of a wooden platform, which were dated by radiocarbon dating to the middle of the IV century AD. The octagonal building with a diameter of about 30 meters has a simple floor made of mortar and terracotta tiles. Marble fragments indicate that the church was lavishly decorated and the material was imported from the Mediterranean.
 
The German-Armenian group has been working in Armenia since September. They plan to continue the excavation in an effort to uncover more details, including the identity of the dedication of the church.
 
Legend has it that in 301 AD in Artaxata, Gregory the Illuminator converted King Trdat III of Armenia to Christianity, making Armenia the first Christian state in the world. A reminder of this tradition can be found in the medieval monastery of Khor Virap, which is located near the now discovered church. The Artashesid and Arshakid dynasties ruled the Armenian Kingdom, and its capital was Artaxata. In the Hellenistic era, the city turned into a significant metropolis and served as the capital of the Armenian Kingdom for almost six centuries.