Archaeologists have discovered one of the oldest Christian buildings in Bahrain. Photo

Archaeologists have discovered one of the oldest known Christian structures in the Persian Gulf, located in Samahij, Bahrain. There is the first physical evidence of a long-lost Christian community in the region.

Christianity is not usually associated with the Persian Gulf. But the Church of the East, sometimes called the Nestorian Church, flourished there until widespread conversions to Islam began after the religion was established in 610 AD, ArkeoNews writes.

According to scientists, radiocarbon dating of the building indicates that it was built between the mid-fourth and mid-thirteenth centuries AD. The site was abandoned after the population converted to Islam.

Archaeologists identified the building as Christian due to three plaster crosses found. Two of them adorned the building, while the third looks like it was moved or kept as a personal monument. Another indication of religiosity is the graffiti of Hi-Rho and fish scratched into the plaster, representing early Christian symbols.

During excavations by British and Bahraini archaeologists, a large building of eight rooms was preserved under a mound in the village cemetery. There was a kitchen, a refectory or dining room, a workroom and three living rooms. It was preserved because a mosque was later built on top of it.

Researchers speculate that the building may have been the bishop's palace for the diocese. Records show a tumultuous relationship between Meshmahig and the central ecclesiastical authority. After all, a bishop was excommunicated in 410 and another condemned in the 7th century for challenging the unity of the church.

Earlier, the few Christian structures - churches, monasteries, residences - found in the Persian Gulf were in remote areas of Iran, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and eastern Saudi Arabia, mostly dating from later periods. Samahiji is unique in that it is located in a modern village.

The leader of the excavation - Professor Timothy Insall from the University of Exeter - said it is the first physical evidence of a Nestorian church in Bahrain, allowing more to be learned about how people here lived, worked and worshipped Christ.

During the excavation, archaeologists also found carnelian semi-precious stone beads and pottery fragments of Indian origin, indicating trade in the area. They also unearthed small shot glasses and copper coins minted in the Sassanid Empire. The spindles and copper needles found in the building, on the other hand, indicate the manufacture of textiles that were probably used for worship.

At the excavation site, a museum is already under construction to preserve and present this remarkable monument, which is planned to open in 2025.

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