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 Bahraini city of Muharraq, the discovered structure is believed to be “the first material evidence of this ancient community”, 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 that radiocarbon dating of the Samahij site confirmed that “the building was occupied between the mid-4th and mid-8th centuries AD, probably abandoned as Islam spread among the local population”.
Excavation at the site began at a burial mound in the Samahij cemetery, where archaeologists discovered the remains of a mosque.
Further excavation revealed a large building with eight rooms, including a kitchen, dining room, workshop and three living rooms. The construction of a mosque on the site is believed to have 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 that included the Samahij. Historical sources refer to the area as “Mishmahig” or “Mashmahig”, likely variants of Samahij.
Records also indicate connections between the region and central church authorities, with one bishop dismissed in 410 and another condemned for questioning the unity of the church in the seventh century.
The excavation project, a joint effort between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Monuments and a British team led by Prof. Timothy Insoll of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter and Dr. Salman Al-Mahari of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, began in 2019 and culminated in these significant finds in 2023.
This discovery is unique due to its location in the heart of a modern, densely populated city, unlike previous 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 with a fish symbol and part of the “Chi Rho” symbol representing “Christ”.
Al-Mahari explained that the excavation, which is now in its final stages, is an important part of Bahrain's history and provides valuable insights into the Christian presence in the region.
Initial studies suggested the site dates from the sixth to eighth century, but radiocarbon dating has confirmed a fourth-century origin, making it one of the oldest Christian structures in the Arabian Gulf. Recent finds include a distinct eastern cross on a plaster slab.
The excavation also revealed details about the building and the lives of its inhabitants. The building was built with plastered stone walls and plaster floors and contained drawers and openings indicating the location of doors and seats. The kitchen included built-in ovens with pedestals and storage surfaces. Artifacts indicate that the inhabitants enjoyed a good standard of living, consuming meat, fish, shellfish and a variety of crops. The finding of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery suggests that the inhabitants were involved in trade, especially with India. Small drinking glasses and 12 copper coins indicate the use of Sasanian Empire currency. In addition, spindle whorls and copper needles indicate the possibility of fabric production for religious purposes.
Insoll said: “We are emphasizing the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, emphasizing its historical and archaeological value.”
He added: “We were amused to discover that someone had drawn part of a face on the mother-of-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.”
