Trending Now - Ancient Christian Relic Found Near Jesus' Ministry Site Puzzles Experts

WHO:

Fox News - Michael Eisenberg, a University of Haifa archaeologist, and Arleta Kowalewska are involved in the research and publication of the findings.

WHAT:

Fox News - Archaeologists uncovered a 1,400-year-old artifact near the Sea of Galilee that may provide insights into early Christian baptism practices.

Fox News - The artifact is described as a rectangular block with three hemispheric cavities, found beside a baptismal font in a ceremonial hall.

Fox News - The smaller baptismal hall where the artifact was found was constructed after 591 A.D. and destroyed by an earthquake in 749 A.D.

NY Post - The cathedral in Hippos had two baptismal halls: one for adults and another for infants and children.

Fox News - The artifact may have held three different oils used during a threefold baptismal immersion ceremony.

Fox News - The discovery includes a bronze candelabrum used to hold candles, among other liturgical objects.

WHERE:

Fox News - The artifact was discovered in the ancient city of Hippos, located near the Sea of Galilee in Syria's Idlib province.

Fox News - Hippos was a prominent bishop's seat during the Byzantine era and the only Christian city around the Sea of Galilee.

WHEN:

Fox News - The artifact is approximately 1,400 years old, dating back to around 626 A.D.

Fox News - The smaller baptismal hall was constructed after 591 A.D. and was destroyed in 749 A.D.

Fox News - The press release regarding the discovery was shared on March 30, 2026.

WHY:

Fox News - The discovery may reveal new details about early Christian baptismal rites that have not been documented before.

HOW:

Fox News - The artifact was found during excavation work by a contractor clearing rubble beneath a destroyed house.

(UPDATED April 6, 2026 07:19 UTC)

Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,400-year-old artifact near the Sea of Galilee that could shed light on early Christian baptism practices, with the discovery being made in the ancient city of Hippos, a significant bishop's seat during the Byzantine era. The rectangular block, featuring three hemispheric cavities, was found beside a baptismal font in a smaller hall that was built after 591 A.D. and destroyed by an earthquake in 749 A.D., and it may have held oils used in a threefold baptismal immersion ceremony, along with other liturgical objects like a bronze candelabrum.