Archaeologists have deciphered a 1,700-year-old inscription that captures a dramatic moment in the spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire. Found inside an underground temple dedicated to the pagan god Mithras, the discovery offers rare written evidence of the Gospel advancing into territory once dominated by one of Rome’s most secretive religions.
According to a Fox News report, the Aramaic inscription was uncovered at Zerzevan Castle in southeastern Turkey. Written in the same language spoken by Jesus Christ, the engraving had puzzled researchers since its discovery in 2017 before its meaning was finally decoded.
A temple sealed by the cross
The inscription was found at the entrance of an underground Mithras temple alongside the carving of a cross. Mithraism, a mystery religion centered on the worship of the deity Mithras, spread widely throughout the Roman Empire during the second and third centuries.
Professor Mehmet Sait Toprak determined the inscription records the closing of the temple after comparing its language with other ancient Aramaic and Old Syriac writings.
“The inscription is the first known Aramaic inscription documenting the closure of a Mithras temple,” Toprak told Turkish state news outlet Anadolu Agency.
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The engraving also carries profound spiritual significance.
“The inscription mentions both Mithras and Jesus Christ,” Toprak found, symbolizing the transition from one faith to the other. He also said the engraving contains references to the Holy Cross.
“This is an extremely important archaeological discovery,” he added.
Excavation director Aytaç Coşkun said previous coin discoveries suggested the sanctuary had been abandoned during the third or fourth century, but the newly deciphered inscription now provides direct evidence that “it was closed and symbolically sealed by Christians.”
Coşkun added that after fourth-century Roman emperors embraced Christianity, “Mithraism was seen as a rival religion.”
The same battle continues
This inscription is more than an archaeological curiosity. It reminds us that the first Christians carried the Gospel into cultures filled with idol worship, false religions and spiritual darkness. They proclaimed Jesus Christ despite opposition because they knew there was only one Savior and one risen King.
That mission has not changed.
Our battle is still fought against deception, false worship and every idea that exalts itself above the knowledge of God. Scripture reminds us, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5).
The cross carved beside this ancient inscription stands as a reminder that kingdoms rise and fall, religions come and go and cultures change. Jesus Christ remains Lord. The same Gospel that transformed the Roman Empire continues to transform lives today, and we are called to carry that message with the same faith and courage as those early followers who sealed a pagan temple and proclaimed the victory of Christ.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
