An archaeological excavation conducted underwater in Turkey's Lake Iznik has uncovered the remains of a 1700-year-old church, which is being considered as the potential actual site where the First Council of Nicaea, one of Christianity's most significant turning points, convened. The excavation team has found evidence of an older, smaller church situated directly beneath the previously identified large basilica. This discovery has generated considerable excitement as it could shed light on the physical location where the historic council, convened in 325 AD under the leadership of Emperor Constantine and which established the foundational principles of Christian doctrine, took place [1].
The Secret Beneath the Grand Basilica
The excavation team, led by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şahin from the Archaeology Department at Bursa Uludağ University, has been investigating the remains of the large basilica discovered underwater in 2014. For additional context and further reading that strengthens this perspective, see [2] [3].
Sources and Further Reading
- [1] Hope TV (@hopetv_ke)
- [2] The Council of Nicaea: its legacy and the Pope's visit
- [3] Iznik prepares for Pope Leo XIV's visit
Image & News Source: Live Science - Archaeology / livescience.com