Archaeologists have discovered one of the earliest Christian buildings in the Persian Gulf \u2014 the first physical evidence of a long-lost community. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the building in Samahij, Bahrain, was founded between the 4th and 8th centuries, and subsequently abandoned after the population converted to Islam.<\/p>\n
Excavations carried out by British and Bahraini archaeologists under a mound in the village cemetery helped to discover a large building with eight preserved rooms \u2014 a kitchen, a dining room, a work room and three living rooms. The building has been preserved because a mosque was built on it.<\/p>\n
It is possible that the building was the palace of the bishop of the diocese, which is listed in historical sources as Masmahig. Records show that relations between Meshmahig and the central church authorities were not always smooth, especially after the bishop was excommunicated in 410.<\/p>\n
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Previously, several Christian buildings \u2014 churches, monasteries, residences \u2014 scattered around the Persian Gulf were found in small remote locations in Iran, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and eastern Saudi Arabia. But the newly discovered ancient church differs in that it is located in the very heart of the modern settlement. The building is very well built, it consists of stone walls, plastered inside, and gypsum floors. The holes indicated where doors and benches were fixed in the building, and in the kitchen there were several fireplaces made from the bases or tops of amphorae.<\/p>\n
The inhabitants of the church had a good standard of living: they ate pork, which was banned after the Islamic conversion, fish, shellfish and various plant crops. The discovery of semi-precious carnelian beads and numerous broken pottery of Indian origin indicates that they were involved in trade, especially with India. The community also used glassware, including small wine glasses. Spindle lugs and copper needles were found in the building, so textiles may have been made there for use in worship.<\/p>\n
This is the first physical evidence of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain and provides a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and worshipped at that time. A museum is currently being developed on this site to preserve and present this remarkable period of the past, which is scheduled to open in 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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