DUBAI: Bahraini and British archaeologists say they have discovered what is believed to be the first Christian structure in the Persian Gulf, dating back to the fourth century.
Located in Samahij, in the Bahraini city of Muharraq, the excavated structure is believed to be “the first material evidence of this ancient community,” according to the Bahrain National Communications Center.
“Although Christianity is not largely associated with the Gulf countries 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 widespread spread of Islam among the communities in 610. AD ” – said in the statement of the NKS.
Archaeologists said radiocarbon dating of Samahij confirmed that “the building was occupied between the mid-4th and mid-8th centuries AD, probably abandoned due to the spread of Islam among the local population.”
Excavations at the site began with a burial mound in the Samahij cemetery, where archaeologists discovered the remains of a mosque.
Further excavation revealed a large building with eight rooms, including a kitchen, dining room, workshop and three living quarters. It is believed that the construction of a mosque on this site contributed to the preservation of the building below, the NCC added.
The findings suggest that the building could have been the residence of the bishop of the local diocese, which included Samahij. Historical sources refer to this area as “Mishmahig” or “Mashmahig”, probably a variant of Samahij.
Records also indicate a connection between the region and the central church authorities, with one bishop dismissed in 410 and another condemned for challenging church unity in the 7th century.
The excavation project, a joint effort between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and a British team led by Professor Timothy Insall of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter and Dr. Salman Al-Mahari of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, began in 2019 and culminated in these significant discoveries in in 2023.
This discovery is unique because of its location in the center of a modern, densely populated city, as opposed to earlier Christian structures found in remote areas along the Gulf Coast.
Notable finds include three plaster crosses, two of which adorn the exterior of the building and one possibly kept as a personal souvenir, along with a wall carving of a fish and part of the “Chi Ro” symbol representing “Christ.”
Al-Mahari explained that the excavations, which are now in their final stages, are an important part of Bahrain's history, providing valuable information about the Christian presence in the region.
Initial research suggested that the site dates back to the sixth to eighth centuries, but radiocarbon dating has confirmed a fourth-century origin, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Persian Gulf. Recent finds include a distinct oriental cross on a plaster slab.
Excavations also revealed details about the building and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Built with stone walls and plaster floors, the building had sockets and holes to indicate the placement of doors and seats. The kitchen contained built-in ovens with stands and storage space. Artifacts show that the inhabitants had a good standard of living, consuming meat, fish, shellfish and a variety of crops. The finding of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery indicates that the inhabitants were involved in trade, especially with India. Small cups and 12 copper coins suggest the use of currency of the Sassanid Empire. Additionally, the spindle and copper needles hint at the possibility of fabric production for religious purposes.
Insol said: “We emphasize the importance of this site and the need to preserve it by emphasizing its historical and archaeological value.”
He added: “We were amused to discover that someone had painted part of a face on the pearl shell with bitumen, possibly for a child who lived in the building. This is the first material evidence of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain, providing a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and worshipped.'
