Tomb believed to date to 3rd century when Christianity was subject to persecution within Roman Empire

Turkish archaeologists have discovered a rare 3rd-century fresco depicting Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” with Roman features, inside an underground burial chamber near Iznik, a town known for the 325 AD Council of Nicaea.

The fresco shows a youthful, clean-shaven Jesus in a toga carrying a goat, an unusual representation in the region reflecting Roman artistic influence. The tomb’s walls and ceilings are richly decorated with birds, plants, and images of noble figures with servants, highlighting a cultural shift from late pagan traditions to early Christian beliefs.

Excavations also uncovered the remains of five individuals, including two young adults and an infant. Lead archaeologist Gulsen Kutbay noted the fresco may be unique in Anatolia, while museum expert Eren Erten Ertem said it presents the deceased’s journey to the afterlife optimistically.

During recent commemorations of the Council of Nicaea’s 1,700th anniversary, President Erdogan presented Pope Leo XIV with a tile painting inspired by the fresco. Anatolia was central to early Christian history, with St. Paul born in Tarsus, St. John spending his final years in Ephesus, and the Virgin Mary believed to have lived nearby.