Dubai: Bahraini and British archaeologists say they have discovered what they believe to be the first Christian structure in the Arabian Gulf dating back to the 4th century.
Located in Samij in the city of Muharraq, Bahrain, the unearthed structure is considered “the first physical evidence of this ancient community,” according to the Bahrain National Communications Center.
“While Christianity is not primarily 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, coinciding with widespread Islam among the communities in 610 CE,” the NCC said in a statement.
Archaeologists said that radiocarbon dating of the Samahiz site confirmed that “the building was occupied between the 4th and mid-8th centuries AD, possibly abandoned after the spread of Islam to the local population.”
Excavations at the site began in a mound within the Samij cemetery, where archaeologists discovered the remains of a mosque.
Further excavations revealed a large building with eight rooms, including a kitchen, dining room, workshop and three living rooms. According to NCC, it is believed that the construction of the mosque at that location contributed to the preservation of the building below.
The findings suggest that the building may have been the residence of the bishop of the local diocese, which included Samij. Historical sources refer to the area as “Mishmahig” or “Mashamhig”, possibly subtle variations.
Records also indicate a relationship between regional and central church authorities, with one bishop dismissed in 410 and another condemned for challenging church unity in the seventh century.
The excavation project, led by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and Professor Timothy Insol of the University of Exeter's Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, and the Bahrain Authority for Culture's Dr. and antiquities, began in 2019 and culminated in these important discoveries in 2023.
This discovery differs from previous Christian structures found in remote areas of the Gulf Coast because it is located in the heart of a modern, densely populated city.
Notable finds include three plaster crosses, two adorning the exterior of the building and one possibly placed as a personal memento, as well as a fish symbol on the wall and part of the “Chi Ro” symbol representing “Christ”.
Al-Mahari said the excavation, now in its final stages, is an important part of Bahrain's history, providing valuable insight into the presence of Christians in the region.
Early studies suggested the site dates from the sixth to eighth centuries, but radiocarbon dating confirmed a fourth-century origin, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Arabian Gulf. Recent finds include an apparent eastern cross on a plaster slab.
Excavations have also revealed details about the building and the lives of its inhabitants. With stone walls coated in plaster and a plaster floor, the building featured sockets and holes indicating doorways and seat placement. The kitchen had built-in ovens with base and storage areas. Artifacts suggest that the inhabitants enjoyed a good standard of living, consuming meat, fish, shellfish and various crops. Discoveries of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery indicate that the inhabitants were involved in trade, particularly with India. A small drinking glass and 12 copper coins suggest the use of Sasanian imperial currency. Additionally, spindle whorls and copper needles indicate the possibility of fabric production for religious purposes.
Insol said: “We emphasize the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, highlighting its historical and archaeological value.”
He added: “We were delighted to find that someone had carved a face on a pearl shell using bitumen, possibly for a child who lived in the building. This is the first physical evidence of a Nestorian church in Bahrain, providing a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and worshipped. does.”
