Jubail Church
Saudi Arabia

Jubail Church

Ancient church with carved crosses.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Jubail Church is a significant archaeological site located near Jubail, in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. It is recognized as one of the oldest churches in the world, reflecting early Christian presence in the region. The church features two notable crosses carved into the walls flanking the doorway from the nave to the sanctuary, indicative of its religious function. The dating of the church is debated, with suggestions ranging from the 4th to the 7th century CE, aligning it with other early Christian sites in the Arabian Gulf. Discovered in 1986 and excavated by 1987, the site provides valuable insights into the spread of Christianity along the Gulf coast. Due to sensitivities around non-Islamic artifacts, further details from the excavation remain unpublished, underscoring the site's cultural and historical significance.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

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FileJubail_Church.jpg
Temporal Epochs

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Possible Construction

300 CE - 399 CE, 600 CE - 699 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

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category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Churches
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Saudi Arabia

Coordinates

26.94° N, 49.66° E