DUBAI: Bahraini and British archaeologists say they have discovered what are believed to be the first Christian structures in the Arabian Gulf, dating back to the fourth century.
In Samahij, in the city of Muharraq in Bahrain, the unearthed structure is believed to be “the first material evidence of this ancient community,” according to the Bahrain National Communications Center.
“Although Christianity is not associated with the kingdoms of the Gulf today, the Church of the East, also known as name of the Nestorian Church, coinciding with the spread of Islam among the communities in 610,” the NCC said in a statement.
Archaeologists say radiocarbon dating at the Samahij site confirms that the building “occupies between the mid-4th and mid-8th centuries, and was probably abandoned by Islam in the local population”.
Excavations at the site began on a mound in the Samahij cemetery, where archaeologists discovered the remains of a mosque.
Further research revealed a large house with eight rooms, including a kitchen, dining room, workshop and three bedrooms. It is believed that the construction of the mosque at the site helped to protect the building below, the NCC added.
Research indicates that the house may have been the residence of the bishop of the local diocese, where Samahij was found. Historical sources refer to this region as “Mishmahig” or “Mashmahig”, possibly a variation of Samahij.
Records also indicate a relationship between regional and central church authorities, with one bishop excommunicated in 410 and another condemned for challenging the unity of the church in the seventh century.
The excavation project, a joint effort between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the British team led by Prof. Timothy Insoll of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at Exeter University, and Dr. Salman Al-Mahari of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, started in 2019 and ended with these important discoveries in 2023.
This find is unique because of its location in the middle of a modern and densely populated city, unlike the earlier Christian structures found in remote areas along the Gulf Coast.
Among the highlights are three lime crosses, two of which decorate the exterior of the building and one of which can be used as a personal souvenir, along with a wall carving of a fish symbol and part of the “Chi Rho” logo. , which represents “Christ”.
Al-Mahari explained that the excavations, which are in their final stages, are an important part of Bahrain's history, providing valuable insights into the Christian presence in the region.
Initial studies suggested the site was from the sixth to eighth centuries, but radiocarbon dating confirmed a fourth-century origin, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the world. the Arabian Gulf. Recent research shows a clear oriental cross on the board.
The search revealed details about the house and the lives of its inhabitants. The house was built of stone walls plastered to the floor and floor, with sockets and holes indicating the placement of doors and seats. The kitchen had a built-in oven and storage space. The art shows that the inhabitants had a good standard of living, eating meat, fish, shellfish, and various products. Findings of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery indicate that the settlers were involved in trade, particularly with India. Small drinking glasses and 12 copper coins suggest the use of Sasanian Empire currency. Additionally, spindle whorls and copper needles indicate the possibility of textile production for religious purposes.
Insoll said: “We emphasize the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, and highlight its historical and archaeological value.”
He added: “We were happy to see someone make a pearl shell mask using bitumen, probably for a child who lived in the house. This is the first physical evidence of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain, providing a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and prayed.”
