Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an Armenian church dating back nearly 2,000 years in Artaxata, making it the oldest known structure of its kind in Armenia and one of the oldest in the world.

Conducted by Germany’s University of Münster and the Armenian Academy of Sciences, the excavation is part of the Armenian-German Artaxata Project, initiated in 2018.

Experts believe the church was built in the 4th century A.D., coinciding with the construction of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, considered the oldest cathedral in the world.

The octagonal design of the church, with rectangular chambers extending from its sides, is unique in Armenia and resembles early Christian memorial buildings.

The structure, measuring about 100 feet across, featured thick terracotta walls and lavish decorations likely imported from the Mediterranean, CBS News has reported.

Carbon dating of wooden platforms confirmed its ancient origins, highlighting its significance to early Christianity in Armenia.

Written by B.C. Begley