Dura-Europos, a historical landmark in Syria, is widely considered the oldest church in the world.

In the 1920s and 1930s, archeologists unearthed the city of Dura-Europos.

Dura-Europos, a historical landmark in Syria, is widely considered the oldest church in the world.
Dura-Europos, a historical landmark in Syria, is widely considered the oldest church in the world.

Dura-Europos Church is widely considered to be the oldest in existence.

Dura-Europos, located in modern-day Syria, is renowned as the world's oldest Christian house church, having initially been constructed as a residence before being transformed into a place of worship.

A house church is a private home where individuals come together for worship.

Dura Europos Church in Syria
Dura-Europos Church is considered to be the first house church in existence.  (Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Although Dura-Europos was not initially built as a church, some historians argue that it should not be widely regarded as such.

Despite Guinness World Records recognizing the church as the oldest church building, many sources still claim that Dura-Europos holds the "world's oldest" title.

The church was constructed in the city of Dura-Europos, close to the village of Salihiyah in contemporary Syria. According to Christianity.com, the construction of the church took place between 233 and 256 AD.

In the 1920s and 1930s, a team of American and French archaeologists, led by Yale University and the French Academy of Inscriptions and Letters, discovered thousands of artifacts, including frescoes, in the excavation of a specific area. According to Britannica, fresco painting is a technique that involves applying water-based pigments on freshly applied plaster, typically on wall surfaces.

Ruins of Dura-Europos Church
Dura-Europos Church was built in modern-day Syria, but is now in ruins.  (PHAS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The unearthing of the city uncovered a synagogue, Christian building, and Mithraeum, as well as over 12,000 artifacts, which are now preserved at Yale University, according to the Ivy League's website.

Some of the oldest Christian paintings ever discovered are among the artifacts now residing at Yale University, having been uncovered during excavation.

A baptistery fragment was discovered in three pieces.

According to Christianity.com, the church in an ISIS-controlled area is now in ruins.

Fragment of painting found at Dura-Europos Church
One of many pieces of religious artwork found in Dura-Europos was the piece pictured here. The photo displays one of three fragments that were found.  (Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The oldest church in the United States is widely believed to be San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Since its creation in 1610, the Catholic Church has undergone numerous reconstructions and remains operational to this day.

by Ashlyn Messier

world

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

world
Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

world
Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

world
Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

world
Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

world
Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

world
A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

world
What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

world
A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

world
On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

world
As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

world
A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

world
Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

world
A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

world
The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

world
In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

world
Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

world