1,300-year-old possible Communion loaf bearing image of Christ is found in Turkey

The discovery in southern Turkey of five small round loaves — probably intended for the Eucharist — more than 1,300 years old, one of which features an image of Jesus Christ, took place in Topraktepe, an ancient Roman and Byzantine center known as Irenopolis, located in the present-day Turkish province of Karaman. / Credit: Photo courtesy of Karaman Governorship

ACI Prensa Staff, Oct 16, 2025 / 15:41 pm (CNA).

A team of archaeologists has discovered at a site in southern Turkey five small round loaves —  probably intended for the Eucharist — more than 1,300 years old, one of which features an image of Jesus Christ. 

The discovery took place in Topraktepe, an ancient Roman and Byzantine center known as Irenopolis — the “City of Peace” — located in present-day Karaman province in the historical region of Anatolia.

The loaves, made with barley and dating from the sixth to eighth centuries, have been exceptionally well preserved thanks to their carbonization and the oxygen-free environment where they were found. According to researchers, they are the best-preserved examples of their type found to date in Anatolia.

One of the loaves depicts the figure of Jesus Christ accompanied by the Greek inscription “With our gratitude to the Blessed Jesus.” Others feature reliefs in the shape of a Greek cross.

According to the official statement from the Karaman government, the figure depicted corresponds to “Jesus the Sower” or “Jesus the Farmer,” a different image from the traditional Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All), depicted in a majestic pose, holding the Gospel in one hand and the other raised in a gesture of blessing.

Giovanni Collamati, a professor of history at CEU San Pablo University in Madrid, Spain, who specializes in the Middle Ages, explained in conversation with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, the significance of this discovery, pointing out that the iconography of Christ changes over time.

Collamati emphasized that the discovery took place in a city that was not important within the empire — such as Constantinople — so it may provide clues to a historically unknown form of liturgical worship of Christ, a “much more local liturgical worship that originates from people who do not belong to the elite but is a devotion much more of the common people.” 

The excavations were carried out under the direction of the Karaman Museum and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Experts will continue analyzing the loaves to further their study and gain more insight into their origin and use. 

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.