Egyptian archaeologists recently disclosed the discovery of the 1,600-year-old mural of Jesus Christ healing the sick, within the remains of two early churches which were discovered late in July, in the Kharga Oasis of the country’s Western Desert.
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has not released pictures of the painting, citing conservation concerns.
Officials emphasized that the more delicate the artwork is, the more it must be properly maintained from environmental deterioration.
The newly discovered site was originally a bustling town that relied on underground water sources.
Experts described one church as a huge basilica built of mudbrick, with the remains of a big hall and two aisles, as per Fox News.
The second, smaller church had a layout that was rectangular and was encircled “by the remains of seven external columns,” according to authorities.
Excavations headed by Dr. Siham Ismail of the Supreme Council of Antiquities unearthed mud-brick dwellings, cemeteries, food storage jars, and daily items from the times.
The mural and two Coptic-era churches from the 4th to 7th centuries A.D., a time when Christianity was establishing roots in Africa, were the most noteworthy discoveries.
Africa, a monumental region in the early spread of Christianity
Christianity is commonly thought to have spread from Europe, yet history shows that Africa was one of the earliest countries where Christianity took root.
The church had already found rich ground in Egypt, North Africa, Nubia, and Ethiopia.
Biblical texts depict that for 12 years, ancient Egypt served as the residence of the founder of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ.
The finding highlights Egypt’s and Africa’s crucial role in the spread of Christianity.
The faith appeared in Egypt as early as the first century A.D., and by the fourth century, it had become a defining cultural and spiritual force throughout the continent.
Egypt’s deserts gave rise to Christian monasticism, with saints such as St. Anthony the Great and Pachomius pioneering types of austere living that spread across Europe and affected the larger Christian heritage.
Additionally, Christianity was introduced into Ethiopia much earlier, in the fourth century, when King Ezana of Aksum converted. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church emerged and continues to be one of the most lasting Christian traditions.
The East African country has retained unique texts, liturgies, and rituals, including the Ge’ez language Bible, which is one of the earliest translations of Scripture.
