Archaeologists in Nicaea (modern-day İznik), Turkey, have uncovered a remarkably rare early Christian depiction of Jesus inside a newly unearthed underground tomb, revealing what experts believe is the only known “Good Shepherd” fresco of its kind ever found in Anatolia. Discovered during the 2025 excavation season at the Hisardere Nekropolü—just one week after Pope Leo XIV’s visit—the tomb features exceptionally preserved wall and ceiling paintings dating between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD. The northern wall depicts a youthful Christ dressed in a Roman tunic, carrying a horned goat across His shoulders, flanked by symmetrical goats on either side—an image rich with theological symbolism tied to protection, sacrifice, and shepherding God’s people.

This find is especially significant because it is the first tomb in the necropolis to feature an image of Jesus, offering rare insight into how early believers in the region understood and portrayed Christ during a period of persecution and doctrinal formation. For students of Scripture and prophecy, the discovery is a powerful reminder that even under pressure, the testimony of Jesus endured—etched into stone beneath the ground. In an age when biblical Christianity is increasingly marginalized, this ancient fresco stands as quiet evidence of Christ’s enduring presence and the fulfillment of His promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18).

SOURCE: Syriac Press