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 fourth century.
Located in Samahij, in the Bahrain city of Muharraq, the discovered structure is considered “the first material evidence of this ancient community,” according to Bahrain's 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 Islam spread among communities since 610 en,” the NCC said in a statement.
Archaeologists said radiocarbon dating of the Samahij site confirmed “the building was occupied between the mid-4th and mid-8th centuries AD, probably abandoned as Islam spread among the local population”.
Excavations at the site began in a mound in 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. The construction of the mosque on the site is believed to have contributed to the preservation of the building below, the NCC added.
The finds suggest that the building may have been the residence of the bishop of the local diocese, which included the Samahij. Historical sources refer to this area as “Mishmahig” or “Mashmahig”, likely variants of Samahij.
Records also indicate a link between the region and central church authorities, with one bishop dismissed in 410 and another condemned for challenging church unity in the 7th century.
The excavation project, a collaborative effort between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and a British team led by Prof Timothy Insoll from the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter and Dr Salman Al-Mahari from the Authority for Culture in Bahrain. and Antiquities, began in 2019 and culminated in these significant discoveries in 2023.
This find 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 kept as a personal memento, along with wall carvings featuring 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 piece of Bahrain's history, providing valuable insights into the Christian presence in the region.
Initial studies suggested the site would date from the 6th-8th centuries, but radiocarbon dating has confirmed its 4th-century origins, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Arabian 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. Built with plastered stone walls and plaster floors, the building had sockets and holes indicating the location of doors and seats. The kitchen contained built-in ovens with bases and storage areas. Artifacts suggest 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 indicates that the occupants were involved in trade, particularly with India. Small drinking glasses and 12 copper coins suggest the use of Sasanian Empire coinage. In addition, spindle 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, emphasizing its historical and archaeological value.”
He added: “We were amused to learn that someone had drawn part of a face on a pearl shell using 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.”
