Karaman: In a remarkable archaeological discovery that bridges faith, art, and early Christian worship, a team of researchers in southern Turkey has unearthed five small round loaves believed to be Eucharistic bread dating back more than 1,300 years. Among them, one loaf bears a finely preserved image of Jesus Christ, making it a rare and extraordinary find in Christian archaeology.
The loaves were found at Topraktepe, the site of the ancient Roman and Byzantine settlement known as Irenopolis, or the “City of Peace,” located in Turkey’s Karaman province, in the historical heartland of Anatolia. The discovery sheds new light on early Christian liturgical practices and the deep-rooted devotion that characterized local communities during the Byzantine era.
Archaeologists noted that the loaves, made primarily of barley, date from the 6th to 8th centuries and have survived the passage of time in astonishing condition. Their preservation is credited to a combination of carbonization and the absence of oxygen at the burial site conditions that prevented decay and maintained their form and engravings for over a millennium.
One of the five loaves bears a delicate relief image of Jesus Christ, accompanied by a Greek inscription translating to “With our gratitude to the Blessed Jesus.” The others feature carved designs of the Greek cross, suggesting their liturgical use during early Christian Eucharistic celebrations.
According to an official statement from the Karaman provincial government, the image on the bread represents “Jesus the Sower” or “Jesus the Farmer,” an uncommon depiction of Christ symbolizing His role in sowing spiritual truth among humanity. This stands in contrast to the more formalized Byzantine representation of Christ Pantocrator the majestic ruler holding the Gospel and blessing the faithful.
Giovanni Collamati, a historian and professor at CEU San Pablo University in Madrid, who specializes in medieval studies, emphasized the cultural and theological importance of the discovery. Speaking to ACI Prensa, he noted that the changing iconography of Christ throughout history reflects evolving expressions of faith and devotion.
“What makes this discovery unique,” Collamati explained, “is that it took place in a city that was not part of the empire’s major centers like Constantinople. It likely reveals a more localized form of liturgical worship devotion that arose from common believers rather than the imperial elite.”
He added that such findings help scholars understand how early Christians expressed their beliefs in everyday life, particularly through tangible symbols like Eucharistic bread that carried both spiritual and communal meaning.
The excavation, led by the Karaman Museum in collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is part of an ongoing archaeological initiative to document Christian heritage sites in Anatolia. Experts are now conducting further analysis to determine the exact composition of the loaves, their preparation methods, and the context in which they were used whether during regular liturgical services or special commemorations.
For researchers and believers alike, the discovery of these loaves transcends archaeology. It opens a window into a time when faith was not merely professed in grand cathedrals but also lived quietly in humble communities where bread, prayer, and artistry intertwined as acts of worship.
As studies continue, the 1,300-year-old loaves from Irenopolis stand as silent witnesses to the enduring mystery of faith, embodying a sacred link between ancient devotion and the living Christian tradition.