Archaeologists in Karaman’s Ermenek district have unearthed a remarkable discovery — five carbonized barley loaves dating back 1,300 years, one of which features a rare depiction of Jesus Christ unlike any seen before. According to the Karaman Governor’s Office, this extraordinary find was made during ongoing excavations at the Topraktepe (Eirenepolis) Ancient City, offering a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and cultural symbolism of early Christianity in Anatolia.
A 1300-Year-Old Discovery in Eirenepolis
The Topraktepe (Eirenepolis) Ancient City, located in southern Turkey’s Karaman province, has long been an archaeological treasure trove. But the latest find — five carbonized barley breads from the 7th or 8th century AD — has taken researchers by surprise.
During the excavation led by the Karaman Museum Directorate, archaeologists identified intricately decorated loaves preserved in near-perfect condition thanks to the region’s unique burial environment. One of these ancient breads bears an image that could reshape our understanding of early Christian iconography.
A Depiction Unlike Any Other: “Jesus the Sower”
In a statement, the Karaman Governor’s Office confirmed that epigraphic analyses revealed Greek inscriptions on one of the loaves. The text reads:
“With gratitude to the Blessed Jesus.”
But what makes this bread truly unique is the figure engraved upon it. Unlike the traditional “Pantokrator” (Christ the Savior) imagery common in Byzantine art, this depiction shows “Jesus the Sower” or “Jesus the Farmer.”
Researchers believe this representation reflects a shift in religious emphasis during the early Byzantine period — focusing on labor, harvest, and divine abundance as metaphors for faith and salvation.
Symbolism of Labor and Blessing
Experts suggest that this new depiction of Jesus symbolizes the sanctity of work and the blessing of sustenance, concepts deeply embedded in early Christian theology.
According to researchers, the iconography reflects gratitude for divine providence, showing that faith was intertwined with the daily struggle for food and survival — especially during times of scarcity.
“This bread might have been used during Eucharistic rituals,” said archaeologists involved in the study. “Its imagery of Jesus as a sower represents both physical nourishment and spiritual renewal.”
Possible Use in Early Christian Ceremonies
The loaves’ decorative motifs also include Maltese cross imprints, further strengthening the theory that they were used during religious ceremonies, specifically Communion (Eucharist) rituals in early Christian worship.
Scholars note that such Eucharistic bread was often imprinted with Christian symbols before baking — and the presence of a Greek dedication makes these finds even more extraordinary.
If confirmed, these carbonized loaves could represent the earliest known physical examples of Eucharist bread ever found in Anatolia.
Preserved by Fire: Carbonization and Protection
The breads survived for over 1,300 years thanks to a rare process of carbonization — likely caused by a sudden fire or intense heat during ancient times. This process effectively sealed the organic material, preventing decay and preserving their shape, inscriptions, and texture.
Officials described the preservation as “extraordinary,” noting that the Karaman loaves rank among the best-preserved ancient bread samples ever found in Turkey.
Such preservation provides archaeologists with a unique opportunity to analyze ancient grain composition, baking techniques, and ritual symbolism.
“With Gratitude to the Blessed Jesus”
The Greek inscription, etched delicately into one of the loaves, reads:
“Εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ εὐλογημένῳ Ἰησοῦ” (We give thanks to the Blessed Jesus)
This message of gratitude offers a rare spiritual insight into how early Christians expressed devotion in everyday life — even through the humble act of baking bread.
The presence of such writing also suggests that the loaves were prepared by skilled artisans serving in a religious or monastic community rather than by ordinary villagers.
An Important Find for Anatolian Archaeology
The discovery adds to a growing list of recent archaeobotanical findings across Turkey that illuminate ancient diets and rituals. Just this year, archaeologists unearthed 4,000-year-old chickpeas in Kütahya, 8,600-year-old bread fragments in Çatalhöyük (Konya), and Bronze Age loaves in Eskişehir’s Küllüoba site.
However, the Karaman breads stand out not only for their age but also for their religious and artistic significance — combining everyday life with divine symbolism in a way rarely seen in archaeological contexts.
What the Find Reveals About Early Christian Life
This discovery paints a vivid picture of how religion, agriculture, and art intersected in early Byzantine Anatolia. It suggests that Christian spirituality extended beyond churches and icons, finding expression even in daily sustenance — the bread that sustained both body and soul.
Experts believe such depictions may have served as a visual reminder of Christ’s parables, particularly “The Parable of the Sower,” emphasizing faith, growth, and divine harvest.
Excavation and Conservation Efforts
The ongoing excavations are conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, in collaboration with the Karaman Museum Directorate.
Each loaf is being documented, analyzed, and carefully preserved in controlled laboratory conditions. The research team plans to use microscopic and chemical analysis to identify the grain types, preparation methods, and possible additives used in these ancient breads.
Historical Significance Beyond Borders
Finds like these are reshaping not only our understanding of Byzantine Anatolia, but also the broader story of early Christianity. Artifacts that combine faith, art, and food offer rare insights into how religion permeated every aspect of ancient life.
From the fields of Eirenepolis to the altars of early Christian churches, this 1,300-year-old bread tells a story of gratitude, labor, and devotion that continues to resonate today.
A 1300-Year-Old Discovery in Eirenepolis
A Depiction Unlike Any Other: “Jesus the Sower”
Symbolism of Labor and Blessing
Possible Use in Early Christian Ceremonies
Preserved by Fire: Carbonization and Protection
“With Gratitude to the Blessed Jesus”
An Important Find for Anatolian Archaeology
What the Find Reveals About Early Christian Life
Excavation and Conservation Efforts
Historical Significance Beyond Borders