Archaeologists Discover One of the World's Oldest Churches in Armenia

The 4th-century church, unearthed in Artaxata, offers new insights into early Christian architecture.

The church, dating back nearly 2,000 years, is the oldest archaeologically documented Christian church in Armenia.
Uncovered by a team from the University of Münster and the Armenian Academy of Sciences, the site is part of the Armenian-German Artaxata Project.
The octagonal structure, featuring cruciform extensions, is similar to early Christian memorial buildings found in the eastern Mediterranean.
Lavish decorations, including terracotta tiles and Mediterranean marble fragments, suggest the church's historical significance.
The discovery highlights Armenia's role as the first Christian state, with Artaxata serving as its ancient capital.