DUBAI: Bahraini and British archaeologists say they have discovered what is believed to be the earliest Christian structure in the Persian Gulf, dating back to the 4th century.
Located in Samahij, in the city of Muharraq in Bahrain, the unearthed structure is considered “the first material evidence of this ancient community,” according to the Bahrain National Communications Center.
“Although Christianity is not predominantly associated with the Gulf states today, the Church of the East, also known as the Nestorian Church, flourished in the region for centuries until the 7th century AD, coinciding with the spread of Islam among the communities in 610 AD,” the NCC said in a statement.
Archaeologists said that radiocarbon dating of the Samahij site confirmed that “the building was occupied between the mid-4th and mid-8th centuries AD, probably abandoned when Islam spread among the local population.”
Excavations began at a mound inside the Samahij cemetery, where archaeologists discovered the remains of a mosque.
Further excavations revealed a large building with eight rooms, including a kitchen, a dining room, a workshop and three living quarters. The construction of the mosque on the site is believed to have helped preserve the building underneath, the NCC added.
The findings suggest that the building may have been the residence of the bishop of the local diocese, which included Samahij. Historical sources refer to this area as “Mishmahig” or “Mashmahig,” likely variants of Samahij.
The documents also indicate a connection between the region and the central ecclesiastical authorities: one bishop was deposed in 410 and another condemned for questioning the unity of the Church in the 7th century.
The excavation project, a collaboration between the Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority and a British team led by Prof. Timothy Insoll of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter and Dr. Salman Al-Mahari of the Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority, began in 2019 and concluded with these important discoveries in 2023.
This discovery is unique because it is located in the heart of a modern, densely populated city, unlike previous Christian structures found in remote areas along the Gulf Coast.
Among the most notable finds are three plaster crosses, two of which adorn the exterior of the building and one probably kept as a personal memento, along with wall carvings depicting a fish symbol and part of the “Chi Rho” symbol, representing “Christ.”
Al-Mahari explained that the excavation, now in its final stages, represents an important testimony to the history of Bahrain and provides valuable information on the Christian presence in the region.
Initial studies suggested that the site dated from the 6th to the 8th century, but radiocarbon dating confirmed the 4th century origins, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Persian Gulf. Among the more recent finds is a clear eastern cross on a plaster slab.
Excavations have also revealed details about the building and the lives of its inhabitants. Constructed of stone walls covered in plaster and plaster floors, the building featured sockets and holes indicating the location of doors and seats. The kitchen contained built-in ovens with bases and storage areas. Finds suggest that the inhabitants enjoyed a good standard of living, consuming meat, fish, shellfish, and various crops. The discovery of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery indicates that the occupants were involved in trade, particularly with India. Small drinking glasses and 12 copper coins suggest the use of Sassanid Empire currency. Additionally, copper spindle whorls and needles suggest the possibility of textile production for religious purposes.
Insoll said: “We underline the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, highlighting its historical and archaeological value.”
He added: “We were amused to discover that someone had drawn part of a face on a pearl shell using bitumen, perhaps for a child who lived in the building. This is the first physical evidence of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain, providing a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and worshipped.”
