DUBAI: Bahraini and British archaeologists say they have discovered what is believed to be the first Christian structure in the Arabian Gulf, dating back to the 4th century.
The excavated structure, located in Samahij in Muharraq, Bahrain, is the “first physical evidence of this ancient community,” according to the Bahrain National Communications Centre.
“Although Christianity is not currently primarily associated with the Gulf states, the Church of the East, also known as the Nestorian Church, flourished in the region for centuries until the 7th century CE, coinciding with the rise of Islam in the communities in 610 CE,” the NCC said in a statement.
The archaeologists said radiocarbon dating of the Samahij site confirmed that “the building was inhabited between the mid-4th and mid-8th centuries and was likely abandoned as Islam spread among the local population.”
Excavation of the area 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, dining room, study and three living quarters. The construction of the mosque on the site is believed to have helped preserve the buildings below, the NCC added.
The findings suggest that the building may have been the residence of the bishop of the local diocese, including Samahij. Historical sources refer to the area as “Mishmahij” or “Mashmahij”, which is likely a variant of Samahij.
The records also indicate links between regions and central church authorities, with one bishop being deposed in 410 and another being condemned for challenging church unity in the 7th century.
The excavation project, a joint effort between the Bahrain Office of Culture and Antiquities and a British team led by Professor Timothy Insall from the University of Exeter’s Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and Dr Salman Al-Mahari from the Bahrain Office of Culture and Antiquities, began in 2019 and is set to conclude with these significant discoveries in 2023.
The find is unique because it is located in the heart of a modern, densely populated city, unlike earlier Christian structures found in remote areas along the Gulf Coast.
Interesting finds include three plaster crosses, two of which are on the exterior of the building and one which may have been kept as a personal keepsake, as well as wall carvings featuring fish symbols and part of a “Ciro” symbol representing “Christ”.
Al-Mahari described the excavations, which are now in their final stages, as an important piece of Bahraini history and providing valuable insights into the Christian presence in the region.
Initial studies suggested the site was likely dated to between the 6th and 8th centuries, but radiocarbon dating confirmed a 4th-century origin, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Arabian Gulf. Recent discoveries include a clear oriental cross on a plaster slab.
Excavations have also revealed details about the building and the lives of its inhabitants. The building was built with stone walls covered with plaster and a plaster floor, with slots and holes indicating the location of doors and seats. The kitchen had a built-in oven with a base and storage space. Artifacts indicate that the inhabitants had a good standard of living, consuming meat, fish, shellfish and a variety of produce. Findings of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery indicate that the inhabitants were involved in trade, particularly with India. Small drinking glasses and 12 copper coins indicate the use of Sasanian currency. In addition, a copper spindle and needle threads indicate the possible production of cloth for religious purposes.
“We emphasize the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, while also emphasizing its historical and archaeological value,” Insall said.
“We were amused to discover that someone had painted part of a face onto a mother-of-pearl shell using asphalt, possibly depicting a child living in the building,” he added. “This is the first physical evidence of a Nestorian church in Bahrain, providing a fascinating insight into the way the people lived, worked and worshipped.”
