Recent archaeological excavations in Israel have uncovered early Christian art from around 1,500 years ago in an ancient Byzantine-era church in Rahat, located in the northern Negev Desert.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the discovery, noting that the wall art, primarily depicting boats, was likely created by pilgrims arriving from Gaza in the sixth century.

These drawings symbolize the pilgrims’ journey to the Holy Land, with Rahat being their first inland stop.

This site served as a starting point for further travel to sacred Christian locations like Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Fox News reported.

The discovery offers valuable insight into the maritime world of early Christian pilgrims and their travels to significant religious sites.

Written by B.C. Begley