🏛️ Archaeologists Discover Armenia’s Oldest Church in Artaxata 🏛️
joint Armenian-German archaeological team has uncovered the remains of a previously unknown early Christian church in the ancient city of Artaxata. This 4th-century octagonal structure with cruciform extensions is the oldest archaeologically documented church in Armenia, offering sensational evidence of early Christianity in the region.
Led by the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and the University of Münster, the discovery sheds light on Armenia’s ancient Christian heritage. “Octagonal churches were unknown here until now, but we are familiar with them from the Eastern Mediterranean region,” said Dr. Mkrtich H. Zardaryan of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences.
🌍 Did you know? According to tradition, Armenia was the first Christian state in the world, converted by Gregory the Illuminator in 301 AD in Artaxata.
Learn more about this significant find at the official source: University of Münster.