Archaeologists have unearthed one of the earliest Christian buildings in the Persian Gulf, providing the first physical evidence of a long-lost Christian community in the region. Today, Christianity is not commonly associated with the Gulf, but the Church of the East, also known as the Nestorian Church, thrived there until the mass conversions to Islam began after the religion was established in 610 CE.

Radiocarbon dating indicates that the building, located in Samahij, Bahrain, was occupied from the mid-fourth century to the mid-eighth century, when it was abandoned following the population’s conversion to Islam. The excavations, conducted by British and Bahraini archaeologists, revealed a large structure with eight surviving rooms, including a kitchen, a refectory, a possible workshop, and three living rooms. This building endured because a mosque was later constructed over it.

It is believed that the building might have been the bishop’s palace for the diocese that included Samahij, historically referred to as Meshmahig or Mašmahig. Records indicate a tumultuous relationship between Meshmahig and the central church authorities, with a bishop excommunicated in 410 and another condemned in the seventh century for challenging church unity.

Previously, the few Christian buildings—churches, monasteries, residences—discovered in the Gulf were found in remote areas of Iran, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and eastern Saudi Arabia, mostly dating to later periods. Samahij is unique because it is situated in a modern settlement.

The building was well-constructed with stone walls, plastered interiors, and gypsum floors. Slots and holes indicated where doors and benches had been fixed, and the kitchen contained hearths made from the bases or tops of amphorae as storage vessels. The occupants enjoyed a high standard of living, consuming pork—evidence of which disappeared after the Islamic conversion—fish, seafood, and various crops still under analysis.

The discovery of carnelian beads and numerous broken pottery fragments from India suggests involvement in trade, particularly with India. The community also used glassware, including small wine glasses, a practice that ceased in the Islamic era. Dozens of copper coins recovered indicate the use of coinage minted in the Sasanian Empire.

Spindle whorls and copper needles suggest that textiles might have been produced there for worship. The Christian identity of the inhabitants is evidenced by three plaster crosses found, along with graffiti including early Christian symbols.

The building was excavated between 2019 and 2023 as part of a joint project led by Professor Timothy Insoll from the University of Exeter and Dr. Salman Almahari from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. Professor Insoll noted, This is the first physical evidence of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain and offers a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked, and worshiped.

A museum is being developed at the site to preserve and present this discovery, with plans to open in 2025.

SOURCES

University of Exeter

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