Discover the Ancient Mosaic at Armageddon: The World’s Oldest Christian Worship Site

Megiddo worship hall’s Mosaic panels and communion table base. Photo by Niki Davidov / Israel Antiquities Authority

The First Church Ever Found – And What It Reveals About Early Christian

Deep beneath the soil of northern Israel, near the ancient site of Tel Megiddo – biblically known as Armageddon – an extraordinary discovery was made that continues to inspire Christians around the world. The Megiddo Mosaic, unearthed in 2005 during construction at Megiddo Prison, turned out to be the oldest known Christian worship sites ever found. What makes this discovery truly groundbreaking is that it is the first known place of Christian worship in history. The mosaic floor and the table that once stood at its center were funded by local believers – including a Roman centurion and a woman honored as a “God-lover” – for worship of God Jesus Christ. These inscriptions are the earliest known to explicitly identify Jesus as God, confirming that this site was specifically dedicated to Christian worship, nearly 1,800 years ago.

The Oldest Christian Church Mosaics Ever Found

Dating to around 230 CE, the Megiddo Mosaic predates the legalization of Christianity by more than a century. Long before church buildings dotted the landscape of the Holy Land, believers gathered in homes or small meeting spaces like this one. This mosaic floor stands as a silent witness to that era, when worship was both courageous and deeply personal. The mosaic’s Greek inscriptions refer to “the God Jesus Christ” – one of the earliest known written mentions of Jesus in a church setting. Another inscription honors a Roman officer named Gaianus, revealing that even members of the Roman military were part of this early faith community. This is exactly what the first church ever found reveals about early Christianity – that faith took root in unexpected places and among people from all walks of life, united by their devotion to Christ.

Discovered Beneath a Modern Prison

Perhaps the most surprising part of the story is where it was found , underneath an active Israeli prison! As workers dug foundations, they uncovered this ancient house of worship, connecting modern Israel with its spiritual past in a striking way. The discovery at Megiddo, a place rich with biblical meaning, reminds us how deeply faith is woven into the land itself – something every traveler experiences on a tour to Israel.

The god-loving The god- Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial / Courtesy of the Museum of the Bible

Messages Carved in Stone: The Inscriptions of the Megiddo Mosaic

The mosaic floor contains three remarkable inscriptions that reveal the heart of this early Christian community. One names Gaianus, a Roman centurion, who funded part of the mosaic “as an act of generosity,” showing faith reaching even into the Roman ranks. Another honors Akeptous, a woman who “offered the table to God Jesus Christ,” one of the earliest recorded references to Jesus as God. A third inscription asks believers to remember several women by name, offering a touching glimpse of fellowship and faith among the earliest followers of Christ.

The Fish Medallion / Courtesy of the Museum of the Bible

Design & Symbolism: What the Floor Itself Speaks

The artwork itself is stunning – a carefully arranged floor of colorful tesserae forming geometric designs and Christian symbols. There are no crosses, since crucifixion was still a Roman punishment, but the fish and other motifs express faith in subtle, powerful ways. It’s a breathtaking example of how early Christians celebrated their faith through art, even in times of danger and secrecy.The mosaic’s layout and imagery were carefully crafted to convey meaning. At the center is a medallion with two fish, surrounded by an octagonal ring, triangles, and rhombuses, all framed by a square. Geometric borders and repeating patterns guide the eye inward, highlighting the central table, likely used for the Lord’s Supper. The fish symbolize early Christian faith, while the shapes suggest eternity, order, and perfection, turning the floor into more than decoration – it was a space designed for worship and reflection.

A New Documentary Brings the Story to Life

Adding to the excitement is the new documentary “The Mosaic Church”, released in 2025 and narrated by Bear Grylls. The film vividly explores the discovery of the Megiddo Mosaic and what the first church ever 

Now on Display in Washington, DC

For the first time ever, this extraordinary mosaic has left Israel and is now on display at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, as part of the exhibition “The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith.” Visitors can stand before this ancient masterpiece and reflect on how the earliest followers of Jesus worshiped, hoped, and believed. Even if you can’t visit the Holy Land to see the site in person, you can now experience this incredible artifact-beautifully preserved and displayed-offering a rare opportunity to witness a piece of faith history that continues to resonate across the centuries. The Megiddo Mosaic will remain on display until December 31, 2026. 

For anyone planning aHoly Land Tour or seeking to deepen their understanding of early Christianity, this discovery is a powerful reminder that the roots of our faith run deep – both in the land of Israel and in the hearts of those who have carried the message forward for centuries. The Megiddo Mosaic isn’t just an archaeological find –  it’s a message across time. It connects us to the first generations of believers who gathered quietly to honor Christ, long before cathedrals and grand sanctuaries.