THE first material evidence of an ancient Christian community in Bahrain has been unearthed by archaeologists.

A large building, buried under a graveyard in Samahij, is believed to date from the fifth century, when the Church of the East (sometimes referred to as the Nestorian Church) was present in that part of the Gulf. The Church had a large presence in the Gulf region until widespread conversion to Islam in the seventh century.

A large building with eight rooms was found during excavation work at a site in Samahij. It is believed to have been the palace of the Bishop of Meshmahig.

Historical records show that two of the holders of that post quarrelled with central church authorities and one was excommunicated. The building was found under a mound in a village cemetery, and is thought to have survived because a mosque was later built on top of it.

Professor Timothy Insoll, of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, who co-led the excavation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, said: “This is the first physical evidence found of the Nestorian Church in Bahrain and gives a fascinating insight into how people lived, worked, and worshiped.”

The occupants enjoyed a high standard of living: they used glassware and ate a wide-ranging diet, including pork and wine, both later forbidden under Islam. Three plaster crosses and graffiti of early Christian symbols, including the fish and Chi-Rho, were also present, as was jewellery of Indian origin, suggesting trade with India. Needles and spindle whorls were also found, suggesting production of textiles, possibly for worship, archaeologists believe.

Some other Christian buildings have been found around the Gulf, in Iran, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere, but these are later in date.

Radiocarbon dating shows that the Bishop’s palace was occupied for about 400 years, between the mid-fourth and mid-eighth centuries, at which point it was abandoned amid large-scale conversion to Islam.

The site is currently being preserved, and there are plans for a museum to open next year.