The oldest church found in Armenia, Artashat

An Armenian-German archaeological expedition in Artashat, near the Khor Virap monastery, has discovered the oldest church ever found in Armenia. It dates from the 4th century, only a few decades after the adoption of Christianity.

The octagonal building has cross-shaped annexes and a diameter of about 30 metres. The floor was made of terracotta tiles and lime plaster, and fragments of marble from the Eastern Mediterranean were found. According to Arsen Bobokhyan, director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, “this is the earliest Christian place of worship known in Armenia”.

The aerial photograph shows the foundations of the excavated building, outlined by light-coloured walls.