Jesus has been spotted without his beard in an early Christian artefact discovered underground in Turkey. The fresco depicts Jesus because the ‘Good Shepherd’ styled with Roman features. The painting was discovered in August inside an underground tomb situated near Iznik, a town in northwest of the country. The positioning is often known as where Nicene Creed – a foundational statement of Christian faith – was established in 325 AD, and a 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 a fair more poignant insight into their early practices. The fresco shows Jesus as a youthful, clean-shaven man wearing a toga and carrying a goat across his shoulders. The researchers say it’s considered 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 an emblem of expressing faith, indicating protection, salvation and divine guidance, before the cross was widely adopted as Christianity’s universal symbol. Nonetheless, regardless that it has a central role in early Christianity, only a couple of examples of the Good Shepherd have been present in Anatolia and the one within the village of Hisardere is the most effective preserved. (Picture: Getty)
Lead archaeologist Dr Gulsen Kutbay described the artwork as possibly the ‘only example of its kind within the region.’ The partitions and the ceiling of the cramped tomb also feature bird and plant motifs. There are also portraits of noble men and girls, accompanied by slave attendants. (Picture: AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Also uncovered were the skeletons of 5 individuals. Nonetheless, due to poor preservation, it was not possible to find out the ages of two of them, however 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 press release of religion that remains to be recited by thousands and thousands of Christians today. (Picture: Getty)
Through 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 can have lived her last days near the identical city. (Picture: Getty)
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