Nov 7, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Early reports from the Israel Antiquities Authority are suggesting that remains of a building uncovered on the Megiddo prison grounds, near Jerusalem, may be part of the oldest church in Christendom--and the world.
Workers discovered structural remains, an ancient table, thought to have been used as an altar, and a mosaic, as they began an expansion of the prison facility over a year ago.
The excavation site is close to Tel Megiddo, which is believed by some to be Armageddon, the place of the world’s final battle, mentioned in the New Testament book of Revelation.
Archeologists are speculating that the newly-discovered mosaic, one of the most exciting of the discoveries, may date from as early as the third or forth century. It contains the ancient Christian fish symbol and references to Jesus Christ.