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Major discovery in Iraq: history of Christianity could be rewritten by 1,500-year-old church ruins
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A recent archaeological discovery in northern Iraq, which could reshape our understanding of the history of Christianity, sheds light on the fact that followers of Zoroastrianism and Christians lived peacefully alongside each other more than 1,500 years ago. The church uncovered at a site called Gird-î Kazhaw is the first known Christian building in the area and may explain how different religions coexisted during the early centuries of the Middle Ages.
The history of religions is often shaped by tragic events, as evidenced by religious wars or early Christian persecutions. However, there are also phenomena that offer a surprising perspective on past societies.
According to Live Science, recent archaeological findings in Iraq highlight that religious tolerance existed thousands of years ago: Christians and followers of the Persian-origin Zoroastrian faith were able to live together peacefully. These new discoveries may reveal how interfaith relations developed during the early Middle Ages and could influence current interpretations of early history of Christianity.
The significance of the Gird-î Kazhaw Church in history of Christianity
The Gird-î Kazhaw archaeological site is located in northern Iraq’s Kurdish region, not far from the village of Bestansur, where German university researchers have conducted studies over the past few years.
The main result of the excavations is the discovery of buried stone columns and other architectural remains, proving that the Gird-î Kazhaw complex was the central church of a monastery built around 500 AD. According to archaeologists, it is the first known Christian church in the region. In addition to the church, the team also found fragments of a jug bearing a cross, a symbol that was rarely used in Christian iconography at the time.
The true significance of the discovery lies in the fact that the church is only a few steps away from a Persian-origin Zoroastrian fortress. The proximity of the two structures provides clear evidence that Christians and Zoroastrians coexisted peacefully, offering a new perspective on the early history of Christianity.
A few centuries later, Zoroastrians granted refuge to a thousand or so Moslems. Less than a hundred years after that, Zoroastrians had been practically wiped out and Persia conquered and Islamicized.
Make of that what you will.
Ah, the classic selective timeline. Centuries of documented coexistence and mutual influence are apparently erased by a later period of conflict. How convenient to ignore the peace that did exist to suit a gloomier narrative. The archaeology shows us a different, more nuanced story. But sure, focus only on the end. 😏
And come on 6:44 in the morning? you don’t want to have a breakfast?
Give us a break of your nonesense!