Excavations at Samahij, Bahrain, and the Implications for Christianity, Islamisation, and Settlement in Bahrain
Insoll, T; Carter, R; Almahari, S; et al.MacLean, R
Date: 12 February 2021
Journal
Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher DOI
Abstract
The episcopal seat of Meshmahig or Mašmahig is referred to in various historical
sources, such as the synods of the Church of the East, of 410 and 576. These sources have been
extensively explored, and it has been suggested that Mašmahig can be linked with the village
of Samahij in northeast Muharraq Island, Bahrain. However, ...
The episcopal seat of Meshmahig or Mašmahig is referred to in various historical
sources, such as the synods of the Church of the East, of 410 and 576. These sources have been
extensively explored, and it has been suggested that Mašmahig can be linked with the village
of Samahij in northeast Muharraq Island, Bahrain. However, archaeological evidence for a
Christian presence in Samahij, or elsewhere on Bahrain was lacking. Excavations completed
within the village cemetery at Samahij uncovered part of a large building complex. Based on
the architecture, associated material culture, and chronology, it is suggested this was occupied
by a Christian community, perhaps as part of a monastery or even the episcopal palace itself.
This was abandoned after Islamisation, seemingly in the eighth century. The results of the first
season of excavations are described, and the implications for Christianity, Islamisation, and
settlement in Bahrain considered
Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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