Excavations at Samahij, Bahrain, and the implications for Christianity, Islamisation and settlement in Bahrain

Abstract

The episcopal seat of Meshmahig or Mašmahig is referred to in various historical sources, such as the synods of the Church of the East of 410 and 576. These sources have been extensively explored, and it is suggested that Mašmahig can be linked to the village of Samahij in north‐east Muharraq Island, Bahrain. However, archaeological evidence for a Christian presence in Samahij, or elsewhere in Bahrain, was lacking. Excavations completed within the village cemetery at Samahij uncovered part of a large building complex. Based on the architecture, associated material culture and chronology, it is suggested this building was occupied by a Christian community, perhaps as part of a monastery or even the episcopal palace itself. This was abandoned after Islamisation, seemingly in the eighth century. The results of the first season of excavations are described, and the implications for Christianity, Islamisation and settlement in Bahrain are considered.

Pengaruh Makna Gedung Gereja terhadap Motivasi Partisipasi dalam Pembangunan dengan Mediasi Persepsi Kemegahan Gereja

“…Gedung gereja juga dapat mencerminkan pertumbuhan dan penyebaran agama Kristen di berbagai daerah. Bukti sejarah dan arkeologi menunjukkan kehadiran komunitas Kristen di berbagai belahan dunia, seperti di Teluk Arab dan Tiongkok, melalui keberadaan struktur gereja dan pemukiman (Insoll et al 2021;Carter 2008). Selain itu, adaptasi arsitektur gereja dengan budaya lokal, seperti yang terlihat di Bali, Indonesia, menunjukkan proses inkulturasi dan integrasi agama Kristen dalam masyarakat yang beragam (Dwijendra 2019)…”