Carbonized 1,300-Year-Old Bread Loaves Unearthed in Turkey

3 days ago

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Archaeologists discovered 1,300-year-old charred barley loaves in Topraktepe, Türkiye.
One loaf bears a Greek inscription: 'With Gratitude to Blessed Jesus' and depicts Christ as a sower.
The loaves likely served as Communion bread in local Christian rituals, blending faith and agriculture.
The find highlights a Christianity rooted in village life, not grand religious institutions.
Other loaves feature Maltese cross motifs, preserved through carbonization.
Topraktepe (ancient Eirenepolis) was a Byzantine bishopric and key stop on a historic trade route.
The bread symbolizes the merging of agricultural labor and Christian devotion.
An archaeologist described it as 'theology you can touch.'

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