Location: Petra, Jordan
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an ancient Christian settlement in the city of Petra, Jordan, shedding new light on early Christian communities in the Middle East. The discovery, which includes a series of underground chapels, frescoes, and inscribed biblical texts, is believed to date back to the 3rd century AD.
The settlement was found beneath layers of sandstone, hidden from invaders and natural elements for centuries. Among the most remarkable finds is a small chapel adorned with a mosaic floor featuring depictions of early Christian symbols such as the ichthys (fish), the Chi-Rho, and a cross intertwined with olive branches. The inscriptions suggest that Petra was home to a thriving Christian community before the rise of Islam in the 7th century.
Dr. Anwar Al-Masri, a lead archaeologist on the project, stated, “This discovery is significant because it provides direct evidence of early Christian communities flourishing in a region that was a crucial crossroads of ancient civilizations.”
The Jordanian government, in collaboration with international Christian organizations, has announced plans to preserve the site and create an interactive museum to showcase the discoveries. Pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike are expected to visit the site, which could become an important landmark in Christian archaeology.
