Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered an intriguing inscription near the entrance of a fifth-century Christian church located in the ancient city of Olympus. This warning, which reads: ‘Only those on the righteous path may enter here,’ has not been seen for over 1,000 years and is now providing new insights into early Christian beliefs and practices in the region.
The excavation was conducted in Olympus, an ancient Lycian port city in Turkey’s Antalya province. Archaeologists have been working at the site since 2006, uncovering various artifacts, including multiple mosaic floors and large storage jars known as pithoi. During the recent excavation, they also discovered the floor mosaics of Church No. 1, which featured vegetable motifs and the names of benefactors, indicating the city once had an affluent class.
The most remarkable find was the inscription found at the entrance of Church No. 1. Gokcen Kurtulus Oztaskin, an associate professor at Pamukkale University and one of the lead excavators, translated the inscription as a moral guide for potential visitors, warning that only those on the righteous path could enter. This message, preserved in the ancient structure, adds a unique spiritual dimension to the understanding of early Christian communities in the area.
Olympus is believed to have been abandoned by the 12th century, meaning this inscription has remained undisturbed for centuries. The city’s use spanned several centuries and included elements of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine architecture. In addition to the church, archaeologists have uncovered a newly discovered building that resembles a temple, though its historical function and age are still under investigation. Other notable discoveries include the Bishop’s Palace, the Antimakhos sarcophagus, and the Lycian Marcus Aurelius Archepolis Monumental Tomb.
This recent excavation comes as part of a broader wave of early Christian archaeology. Earlier this spring, an archaeologist uncovered an ancient Christian settlement in Jordan known as Tharais, while last year historian teams revealed the earliest-known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps in the form of a silver inscription. These findings collectively highlight the widespread influence of early Christian beliefs and practices across diverse regions and cultures, contributing to a richer understanding of the historical and religious landscape of the ancient world.