DUBAI: Bahraini and British archaeologists say they have discovered what is believed to be the first Christian building in the Arabian Gulf, dating back to the fourth century.
The excavated structure, located in Samahij in the Bahraini city of Muharraq, is considered “the first material evidence of this ancient community,” according to the Bahrain National Communications Center.
“Although Christianity is no longer 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 in the communities in 610 AD,” the NCC said in a statement.
Archaeologists said radiocarbon dating of the Samahij site confirmed that “the building was inhabited between the mid-4th and mid-8th centuries AD and was probably abandoned as Islam spread among the local population.”
Excavations began on a hill in the Samahij cemetery, where archaeologists discovered the remains of a mosque.
Further excavations revealed a large building with eight rooms, including a kitchen, a dining room, a workshop and three living rooms. It is believed that the construction of the mosque on this site 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 Samahij. Historical sources refer to this area as “Mishmahig” or “Mashmahig,” likely variations of Samahij.
Records also indicate a connection between the region and central church authorities: for example, a bishop was dismissed in 410 and another was condemned in the 7th century for questioning the unity of the church.
The excavation project, a joint effort 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 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 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 of which adorn the outside of the building and one of which may have been kept as a personal keepsake, as well as wall carvings featuring a fish symbol and part of the “Chi Rho” symbol representing “Christ.”
Al-Mahari explained that the excavations, which are now in their final stages, are an important piece of Bahraini history and provide valuable insights into the Christian presence in the region.
Initial research suggested the site dated from the 6th to 8th centuries, but radiocarbon dating confirmed it dates from the 4th century, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Arabian Gulf. Recent finds include a clear oriental cross on a plaster panel.
The excavations also revealed details about the building and the lives of its inhabitants. The building consists of plastered stone walls and plastered floors and has plinths and holes indicating the position of doors and seats. The kitchen contained built-in ovens with plinths and storage areas. Artifacts suggest that the inhabitants enjoyed a good standard of living and ate meat, fish, shellfish and various crops. The discovery of semi-precious agate beads and broken Indian pottery indicates that the inhabitants engaged in trade, particularly with India. Small drinking glasses and 12 copper coins indicate the use of the currency of the Sassanid Empire. In addition, spindle whorls and copper needles suggest the possibility of cloth production for religious purposes.
Insoll said: “We stress the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, highlighting its historical and archaeological value.”
He added: “We found it amusing that someone had painted 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 and gives a fascinating insight into the living, working and worship habits of the people.”
