Archaeologists in Turkey unearth site linked to Council of Nicaea

Archaeologists in Turkey believe they have discovered the remains of a church complex that may have hosted the First Council of Nicaea, a foundational event in Christian history. The excavation, conducted by an international team in the ancient city of Nicaea (modern-day İznik), uncovered what excavation director Mustafa Şahin identified as the Church of St. Neophytos.

The discovery occurred after researchers noticed that floor paving extended beyond the walls of an existing basilica. The Church of St. Neophytos is believed to have been destroyed by an earthquake in 368 A.D. and was subsequently replaced by the Church of the Holy Fathers around 380 A.D.

The First Council of Nicaea, held in 325 A.D., was the first ecumenical council in Christian history and resulted in the creation of the Nicene Creed. The council sought to unify Christian doctrine across the Roman Empire, specifically addressing the teachings of Arius regarding the nature of Jesus.