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 considered “the first material evidence of this ancient society,” according to the Bahrain National Communications Center.
“While Christianity is not predominantly 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 AD, coinciding with the spread of Islam among the communities in 610 AD ,” the NCC said in a statement.
Archaeologists said radiocarbon dating of the Samahij site confirmed that “the building was occupied between the mid-4th and mid-8th centuries, probably abandoned when Islam spread among the local population.”
Excavation at the site began at a mound within 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, workshop and three living quarters. It is believed that the construction of the mosque at the site contributed to the preservation of the building below, the NCC added.
The findings suggest that the building may have been the residence of the bishop of the local diocese, which included Samahij. Historical sources refer to this area as “Mishmahig” or “Mashmahig”, likely variants of Samahij.
Documents also suggest a link between the region and the central church authorities, with one bishop deposed in 410 and another condemned for challenging church unity in the seventh century.
The excavation project, a collaboration between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and a British team led by Prof. Timothy Insoll of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Exeter University, and Dr Salman Al-Mahari of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, began in 2019 and culminated in these significant findings in 2023.
This discovery is unique because of its location in the heart of a modern, densely populated city, unlike earlier Christian structures found in remote areas along the Gulf Coast.
Notable finds include three plaster crosses, two adorning the exterior of the building and one possibly preserved as a personal memento, along with wall carvings with a fish symbol and part of the “Chi Rho” symbol, representing “Christ”.
Al-Mahari explained that the excavation, now in its final stages, is an important part of Bahrain's history, providing valuable insights into the Christian presence in the region.
Initial studies suggested the site dated from the 6th to the 7th century, but radiocarbon dating confirmed a 4th century origin, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Persian Gulf. Recent finds include a clear Eastern cross on a plaster slab.
The excavation also revealed details about the building and the lives of its inhabitants. The building is constructed with stone walls covered with plaster and gypsum floors, the building had sockets and holes indicating the location of doors and seats. The kitchen contained built-in ovens with plinths and storage areas. Artifacts indicate that the inhabitants enjoyed a good standard of living, consuming meat, fish, shellfish and various crops. The discovery of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery suggests that the occupants were involved in trade, particularly with India. Small drinking glasses and 12 copper coins indicate the use of Sasanian Empire currency. Additionally, spider whorls and copper needles suggest the possibility of cloth production for religious purposes.
Insoll said: “We emphasize the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, highlighting its historical and archaeological value.”
He added: “We were amused to discover that someone had drawn part of a face on a pearl shell with bitumen, possibly for a child who lived in the building. This is the first physical evidence of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain, providing a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked and worshipped.”
