Fascinating Find

Bahraini and British archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be one of the oldest Christian structures in the Arabian Gulf.
The ancient structure, discovered in Samaheej, Muharraq, is believed to date back to the fourth century CE and provides the first physical evidence of the Nestorian Church having been in Bahrain.
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 hundreds of years until the seventh century CE, coinciding with the wide spread of Islam amongst local communities in 610 CE.
Radiocarbon dating of the Samaheej site confirms the building was occupied between the mid-fourth and mid-eighth centuries CE and likely abandoned as Islam spread among the local population.
A collaborative effort between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), a British team led by Professor Timothy Insoll of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at Exeter University in the UK, and Dr. Salman Al Mahari, Director, Department of Antiquities and Museums at BACA, the excavation project began in 2019 and culminated in these significant findings in 2023.
The dig commenced at a mound within the Samaheej cemetery, where archaeologists discovered the remains of a mosque beneath the mound.
Further excavation revealed a large building with eight rooms, including a kitchen, dining room, workshop, and three living quarters. It is believed that the construction of the mosque contributed to the preservation of the building.
The findings suggest the building may have been the residence of the bishop of the diocese, which included Samaheej. Historical sources refer to this area as ‘Mishmahig’ or ‘Mashmahig’ – likely variations of Samaheej.

Records also indicate a connection between the region and central church authorities, with one bishop dismissed in 410 CE and another condemned for challenging church unity in the mid-seventh century.
This discovery is unique due to its location in the heart of a modern, densely populated town, unlike previous Christian structures found in remote areas along the Gulf coast.
Notable finds include three plaster crosses, two adorning the building’s exterior and one possibly kept as a personal memento, along with wall carvings featuring a fish symbol and part of the ‘Chi Rho’ symbol (representing the word Christ).
Dr. Salman explained that the excavation is in its final stages, and emphasised the site’s importance for Bahraini history, providing valuable insights into the Christian presence in the region.
Initial studies suggested the site dated from the sixth to eighth centuries CE, but radiocarbon dating confirmed a fourth-century origin, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in the Arabian Gulf. Recent findings include a clear Eastern cross on a plaster slab.
The excavation also revealed details about the building and its inhabitants’ lives. Constructed with stone walls coated in plaster and plaster floors, the building featured sockets and holes indicating door and seat placements. The kitchen contained built-in ovens with bases and storage areas.
Artifacts suggest 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 the occupants were involved in trade, particularly with India.
Small drinking glasses and 12 copper coins suggest the use of Sasanian Empire currency. Additionally, spindle whorls and copper needles hint at the possibility of cloth production for religious purposes.
Professor Tim emphasised the importance of the discoveries.
“We stress the importance of this site and the need to preserve it, highlighting its historical and archaeological value,” he said.
“We were amused to find 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.”
GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh for more information.
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