Archaeologists in Syria have discovered the remains of a ‘secret church’ that may date back to the first centuries of Christianity, hiding in plain sight in a territory held by ISIS for more than two years.
It’s thought that the ancient tunnel system found in Manbij once served as a refuge for Christians who faced persecution during the Roman Empire, according to Fox News.
And somehow, the ancient gate leading deep underground appears to have gone unnoticed by the ISIS forces who formerly occupied it.
Beside a mound used to dump trash, researchers found the remains of a sprawling tunnel system containing escape routes, hidden doors, Greek inscriptions, and a makeshift altar – with crosses and Christian symbols etched all throughout.
Archaeologists in Syria have discovered the remains of a ‘secret church’ that may date back to the first centuries of Christianity, hiding in plain sight in a territory held by ISIS for more than two years. It’s thought that the ancient tunnel system found in Manbij once served as a refuge for Christians who faced persecution during the Roman Empire
The remarkable underground network was likely a significant haven for Christians in the third or fourth century AD, Fox News reports.
It even contains a graveyard that was likely used for the church clergy, with human remains found inside large stone tombs, according to Fox News, who toured the site.
Had ISIS found out about the ruins, which the team first discovered back in 2014, the site likely would have been destroyed.
Archaeologists kept it secret for years before excavations could finally begin in August of 2017, a year after ISIS was driven out of the area.
And, locals helped to unearth a second component of the tunnel system, with stone steps leading down to a cave filled with rooms and Christian symbols, Fox News reports.
Beside a mound used to dump trash, researchers found the remains of a sprawling tunnel system containing escape routes, hidden doors, and a makeshift altar – with crosses and Christian symbols (pictured above) etched all throughout
The remarkable underground network was likely a significant haven for Christians in the third or fourth century AD, Fox News reports. Above, Greek writings found at the site are pictured
‘This place is so special,’ Abdulwahab Sheko, head of the Exploration Committee at the Ruins Council in Manbij, told Fox News, speaking about the ‘first location.’
‘Here is where I think the security guard would stand at the gate watching for any movement outside.
‘He would warn the others to exit through the other passage if they needed to flee.’
In the early centuries of Christendom, Christians faced persecution under the Roman Empire, first by the emperor Nero.
There were misconceptions about their practices, giving rise to accusations of incest, cannibalism, and other atrocities.
Somehow, an ancient gate leading deep underground appears to have gone unnoticed by the ISIS forces who formerly occupied it. Now, archaeologists are working to better understand the site that may have served as ‘secret church’ nearly 2,000 years ago
While the first location was likely used as a refuge for Christians to worship, the discovery of religious symbols all over the second site suggest it was used after Christianity became accepted, Fox News reports. Now that ISIS has been driven from the area and work can progress, researchers at the site say they are committed to protecting it
This was likely linked to a misunderstanding of ‘Christian communion where Christ said to take and eat His body and drink his blood,’ John Wineland, professor of history and archaeology at Southeastern University, told Fox.
As a result, Christians were forced to worship in secrecy until 313 AD, when the religion was decriminalized by Emperor Constantine.
While the first location was likely used as a refuge for Christians to worship, the discovery of religious symbols all over the second site suggest it was used after Christianity became accepted, Fox News reports.
Now that ISIS has been driven from the area and work can progress, researchers at the site say they are committed to protecting it.
Had ISIS found out about the ruins, which the team first discovered back in 2014, the site likely would have been destroyed. Archaeologists kept it secret for years before excavations could finally begin in August of 2017, a year after ISIS was driven out of the area