Ancient stone seating at a Roman church in present-day southwestern Turkey may have been used to teach people preparing to become Christians, according to new archaeological research. The findings suggest that early Christian communities gave Roman-era structures new religious purposes.
The study focuses on the South Valley Church in the ancient city of Adada, in modern-day Isparta province. Researchers also examined unusual carvings of a ship, a human figure, and the Tree of Life on one of the stone steps. The study, published in the journal Arkeoloji Dergisi, was conducted by Ahmet Mörel and Nurittin Çelik of Süleyman Demirel University.
Roman seating may have served early Christian education
The South Valley Church was built over an older Roman structure, possibly during the fifth or sixth century A.D. Its design includes three aisles, a large courtyard, and stone seating along the southern and western sides. The southern steps extend about 15.55 meters (51 feet). Some western stones feature carvings resembling lion paws. Their arrangement suggests that the seating existed before the church was built.
Researchers believe the steps may have been used to teach catechumens, people receiving religious instruction before baptism. The church’s layout supports this possibility. Passages along its southern side connect to rooms near a possible baptismal area behind the apse.
This arrangement may have allowed people preparing for baptism to move through the building without entering the main worship space. However, no inscriptions or written records confirm this use. The seating may also have accommodated worshippers during religious gatherings. In other parts of Turkey, archaeologists have uncovered another early Christian church that may have hosted the First Council of Nicaea, highlighting the region’s importance in early Christian history.
Ancient carvings raise questions about religious beliefs
Researchers also examined engravings on one of the upper seating blocks. They show a small ship, a human figure, and a symbol interpreted as the Tree of Life. The ship measures about 15 centimeters (0.49 ft) long. A human figure appears to stand on the boat, while the Tree of Life rises where a sail would normally appear.
Researchers suggest the combination may carry religious meaning. One interpretation links the image to a traveler who encountered Christianity in the region, although no evidence confirms the person’s identity or religious background. Other discoveries have also revealed how ancient religious traditions influenced early Christian art. A recent study of Byzantine mosaics in Turkey found Greek artistic influences in depictions of the biblical Garden of Eden.
Ancient city reflects centuries of religious change
Adada stood along routes connecting the Mediterranean coast with inland Anatolia, allowing trade and religious ideas to spread. Nearby Pisidian Antioch was among the cities visited by Saint Paul during his missionary journeys. Researchers have identified 13 churches in and around Adada, including six in its urban center and seven in nearby settlements.
The South Valley Church preserves Roman walls and reused stone blocks, showing how older buildings became part of Christian architecture. Evidence indicates that the site remained occupied until around the 12th century, reflecting centuries of change in Adada’s religious and architectural history.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
