1,300-Year-Old Prosphora Discovered in Turkey

Source: Karaman Governorship/Twitter

KARAMAN — Archaeologists in southern Turkey’s Karaman province, at the ancient Roman and Byzantine site of Irenopolis, have uncovered five remarkably preserved 1,300-year-old barley loaves, likely intended for the Eucharist, CNA reports.

Dating from the sixth to eighth centuries, these carbonized loaves, found in an oxygen-free environment, are the best-preserved of their kind in Anatolia.

One loaf bears an image of Jesus Christ with the Greek inscription “With our gratitude to the Blessed Jesus,” depicting “Jesus the Sower” or “Jesus the Farmer,” distinct from the traditional Christ Pantocrator. Others feature Greek cross reliefs.

The loaves’ exceptional preservation provides a rare glimpse into early Christian devotion. Experts will continue analyzing the artifacts to uncover more about their origins and use, shedding light on ancient liturgical traditions.

Earlier this year, the UOJ reported on the discovery of a Cross in the UAE dating to around the same period.

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