Archeologists discover rare image of clean-shaven Jesus in underground tomb
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Jesus has been spotted without his beard in an early Christian artefact discovered underground in Turkey. The fresco depicts Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’ styled with Roman features. The painting was discovered in August within an underground tomb situated near Iznik, a town in northwest of the country. The site is known as where Nicene Creed – a foundational statement of Christian faith – was established in 325 AD, and part of the Roman Empire. (Picture: AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
This time in history was marked by widespread persecution of Christians, which makes the find an even more poignant insight into their early practices. The fresco shows Jesus as a youthful, clean-shaven man dressed in a toga and carrying a goat across his shoulders. The researchers say it is one of the rare instances in Anatolia where Jesus is portrayed with distinctly Roman attributes. (Picture: AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
The Good Shepherd motif was a symbol of expressing faith, indicating protection, salvation and divine guidance, before the cross was widely adopted as Christianity’s universal symbol. However, even though it has a central role in early Christianity, only a few examples of the Good Shepherd have been found in Anatolia and the one in the village of Hisardere is the best preserved. (Picture: Getty)
Lead archaeologist Dr Gulsen Kutbay described the artwork as possibly the ‘only example of its kind in the region.’ The walls and the ceiling of the cramped tomb also feature bird and plant motifs. There are also portraits of noble men and women, accompanied by slave attendants. (Picture: AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Also uncovered were the skeletons of five individuals. However, because of poor preservation, it was impossible to determine the ages of two of them, but the others were two young adults and a 6-month-old infant. (Picture: AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Archaeologist from Iznik Museum, Eren Erten Ertem, said the frescoes showed ‘a transition from late paganism to early Christianity, depicting the deceased being sent off to the afterlife in a positive and fitting manner.’ Pope Leo XIV visited Iznik last month to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea that produced a statement of faith that is still recited by millions of Christians today. (Picture: Getty)
During the visit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented a tile painting of the Good Shepherd discovery to Leo. Anatolia witnessed major moments in Christian history, as St. Paul was born in Tarsus, St. John spent his final years in Ephesus and the Virgin Mary may have lived her last days near the same city. (Picture: Getty)
