Archaeologists Uncover Fourth-Century Christian Church in Armenia, Shedding New Light on Early Christianity

Archaeologists working in Armenia have uncovered the remains of a fourth-century Christian church, which is now considered the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country, offering fresh insight into how faith, politics and culture converged at a pivotal moment in world history.

The discovery was made in the ancient city of Artaxata, once the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia and a major power center in the region. Radiocarbon dating places the structure in the mid-fourth century AD, only decades after Armenia is believed to have become the first state in the world to officially adopt Christianity. “This find provides additional evidence for the early institutionalization of Christianity in Armenia” said Achim Lichtenberger, a professor at the University of Münster and a member of the excavation team. Unveiling an unusual church shape with global meaning.

At first glance, the building’s design appears unusual for Armenia. The church has an octagonal base of about 100 feet in diameter, rather than the rectangular plan most people associate with churches today. Yet archaeologists say this shape was common across the early Christian world.

Mkrtich Zardaryan of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences said – “Octagonal churches were unknown here until now; but they are well known in the Eastern Mediterranean, where they first appeared in the fourth century”.

In early Christian symbolism, the number eight represented rebirth and resurrection, these are ideas central to the faith. Architecturally, the octagon also allowed for a larger central space, accommodating growing congregations at a time when Christianity was rapidly transitioning from a persecuted movement to a state-supported religion. However, a consideration of faith, family and daily life in this sphere, is seeming timeless.

Beyond its architectural value, the church offers a glimpse into how Christianity may have reshaped family and community life in early Armenia. Churches were not just places of worship; they were social hubs where families gathered, rituals were passed down, and shared identity was reinforced.

The simplicity of the mortar floor contrasts with evidence of marble decoration imported from the Mediterranean, suggesting a community that balanced modest daily life with a desire to honor its new faith. Wooden platforms found in cross-shaped extensions may have supported clergy or choirs, hinting at early liturgical practices that brought people together across generations.

The church’s location in Artaxata is no accident bearing in mind politics and power in a new Christian state. According to tradition, Gregory the Illuminator converted King Tiridates III to Christianity in 301 AD, a political decision that aligned Armenia with the Christian Roman world while distinguishing it from neighboring powers.

Building a prominent church in the capital would have sent a clear message: Christianity was no longer private belief but state identity. Scholars say such structures helped legitimize royal authority while embedding Christian values into governance and law.

Nearby stands the medieval monastery of Khor Virap, a site deeply tied to Armenia’s Christian story, reinforcing the area’s long-standing religious significance.

Today, for the cultural heritage and modern implications, the discovery carries cultural and social weight for modern Armenia, where Christianity remains central to national identity. The find strengthens historical claims of Armenia’s role in early Christian history and may influence how the country presents its heritage to the world.

There are also economic implications. Archaeological discoveries often attract tourism, academic collaboration and international funding. Imported materials found at the site point to ancient trade networks, is early versions of cultural and commercial exchange that still shape the region today.

Since 2018, German and Armenian archaeologists have been excavating Artaxata in the Ararat Plain, with focused work at the church site beginning in September. Researchers hope future excavations will reveal whom the church was dedicated to and how long it remained in use.

In the meantime, the ruins stand as a reminder that the spread of Christianity is spiritual shift and transformation that touched politics, families, economies and cultures.