An Israeli prisoner cleaning up debris to build a new prison discovered an intricate mosaic. Israeli archaeologists claim it may be the foundation of the oldest church.
The discovery of the church in the northern part of Megiddo, Israel, has been deemed significant by experts as it could reveal details about the development of early churches in the region. Archaeologists state that the church dates back to the 3rd century, several decades before Christianity was officially recognized throughout the Roman Empire.
“Clearly, this is the remains of the oldest church in Israel, and possibly in the region, though it’s still too early to assert whether it is the oldest in the world,” said Yotam Tepper, the leading archaeologist.
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A portion of the mosaic depicting Jesus at the oldest church in Israel |
Two mosaics in the church, including one featuring a fish – a symbol of Christianity before the cross emerged – tell the story of a Roman official and a woman named Aketous who donated money to build the church in honor of Jesus.
Artifacts from the 3rd century, Greek-style inscriptions, geometric designs in the mosaic, and the depiction of the fish instead of the cross indicate that the church was no longer in use by the 4th century. The structure, which has been largely destroyed, was also not built in the standard Roman style of the time.
Stephen Pfann, a biblical scholar, noted that the 2nd and 3rd centuries were transitional periods when people were shaping their faith. Ancient inscriptions found in Nazareth and Capernaum – where Jesus once lived – also demonstrate that people attended services, albeit secretly.
“It was a time of brutal persecution, yet it’s surprising how vividly the image of Jesus is depicted in the mosaic. But that’s also why the church was destroyed,” Pfann commented.
The excavation will continue as archaeologists seek to uncover the remaining area that may have been a baptism site.
M.T. (according to AP)
