US EditionRare fresco of Jesus as the 'Good Shepherd' uncovered in Turkish town visited by the pope
The 3rd-century fresco shows Jesus as the Good Shepherd, a rare motif in Anatolia, highlighting early Christian faith during Roman persecution, archaeologists said.
- Archaeologists in Turkey uncovered a Roman-style fresco of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in an underground tomb near Iznik, dating to the 3rd century when Christians faced persecution.
- Eren Erten Ertem said the frescoes illustrate a shift from late paganism to early Christianity, while Pope Leo XIV recently visited Iznik to mark the Council of Nicaea's 1,700th anniversary.
- Inside the cramped tomb, the walls and ceiling feature bird and plant motifs plus portraits with slave attendants, and archaeologists found five skeletons including two young adults and a 6-month-old infant.
- The Associated Press was the first international media organization granted access to the tomb, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented a tile painting of the Good Shepherd discovery to Pope Leo XIV last month.
- As Anatolia witnessed pivotal Christian events, the find could reshape understanding of early Christian iconography and drew ecumenical attention as Pope Leo XIV joined patriarchs and priests in prayers for unity recently.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Associated Press News
Rare fresco of Jesus as the 'Good Shepherd' uncovered in Turkish town visited by the pope
Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a significant fresco of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" from Anatolia's early Christian era.
The archaeologists found the freshness with Jesus represented as “the good shepherd” in a underground cemetery near the city of Iznik, where the Council of Nicaea was adopted in 325 B.C.M. Mormant of the third century Mormant of the third century, when the area was still under the rule of the Roman Empire and Christians were persecuted. The frescoes were made of young Jesus, dressed in a tug and wearing a hat, according to The Associated Press, …
An important archaeological discovery near the Turkish city of Iznik, Anatolia. The archaeologists found one of the most valuable testimony of early Christianity in the region.
Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a vivid 3rd-century fresco depicting Jesus among goats, the only known example of early Christian art outside Italy.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
