The oldest church in Armenia was discovered in Artashat

The Armenian-German joint team of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Munster has made an important discovery in the ancient city of Artashat, excavating the remains of the oldest Christian church in Armenia, dating back to the middle of the 4th century. This find testifies to the early spread of Christianity in Armenia.

It is said that this early Christian structure is distinguished by a unique octagonal structure, which was previously unknown in Armenia, but was common on the Eastern Mediterranean coast during the same period.

An excavation team has been working on the site since 2018, studying its Hellenistic and early Christian heritage. This latest discovery enriches the understanding of Armenia's Christian past and may help reveal the church's affiliation, potentially linking it to key figures in Armenian history. The octagonal church, which was approximately 30 meters in diameter, had a simple mortar floor with terracotta tiles.

The lavish marble decoration, probably imported from the Mediterranean, hints at the building's significance. Artashat, once the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia, played a central role in the country's history during the Artashesian and Arshakian dynasties. The research team plans to continue the excavation in hopes of uncovering more details about this remarkable site.