Derna: Archaeologists in the eastern Libyan city of Derna have uncovered a remarkable set of ancient relics tied to Saint Mark, one of Christianity’s earliest evangelists. The findings are being hailed as strong evidence that Christianity established deep roots in Libya centuries ago, reshaping understanding of the region’s religious history.
Saint Mark, revered as the first patriarch of Alexandria, is believed to have traveled through Cyrene in present-day eastern Libya, preaching the gospel and establishing early Christian communities. Local traditions and historical texts have long suggested his presence in the area, and the recent discoveries provide tangible proof supporting these accounts.
The excavations have focused on the verdant “Mark Valley” in the Green Mountain region, a landscape dotted with waterfalls, caves, and secluded grottos. Archaeologists suggest that this valley served as a refuge for Saint Mark and his followers during periods of Roman persecution, offering shelter and safety to early Christians. Nearby, in what is now known as the “Gospel Valley,” it is believed that Mark began composing his gospel, leaving an indelible mark on Christian history.
Experts say that the relics ranging from inscriptions and ceremonial objects to fragments of early Christian manuscripts offer invaluable insight into the daily lives, faith practices, and organizational structures of early Libyan Christians. Scholars are now calling for a reanalysis of Libya’s ancient Christian heritage, highlighting Derna and Cyrene as pivotal centers in the spread of Christianity across North Africa.
The discovery has sparked excitement in both academic and religious circles, with historians noting that these findings could redefine the historical map of early Christian activity outside Egypt and the Levant. For Derna, a city often overlooked in discussions of antiquity, the relics provide a renewed cultural and religious significance, emphasizing its role in the formative centuries of Christianity.
As research continues, archaeologists hope to uncover further evidence that will illuminate the connection between Saint Mark and North Africa, potentially drawing pilgrims, scholars, and tourists to Derna in recognition of its foundational Christian heritage.