Archaeologists discovered a fourth-century Christian church in Armenia, considered the country’s oldest. Armenia is believed to be the first Christian state in the world after King Tiridates III converted to Christianity.

Archaeologists have uncovered the oldest known Christian church in Armenia. Shaped like an octagon with cross-shaped extensions, the structure’s foundations are more than 1,600 years old, also making it one of the earliest known Christian churches in the world.

Researchers believe the octagonal structure from the 4th-century is the oldest church in Armenia and further proof of its Christian heritage.