In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists in Turkey have unearthed a significant relic from the early Christian era in Anatolia—a fresco depicting Jesus in the guise of the “Good Shepherd” with Roman-like features.

This extraordinary artwork was found in August inside an underground tomb near Iznik, a town with a deep-rooted historical significance for Christians. Iznik is renowned as the site where the Nicene Creed was formalized in A.D. 325, marking a pivotal moment in Christian history. Recently, Pope Leo XIV chose this historic town as a destination for his inaugural overseas journey, underscoring its enduring importance.

During the period when this fresco was created, the region was under Roman rule. The tomb, located in the village of Hisardere, is believed to date back to the 3rd century, a tumultuous time when Christians were often subjected to persecution.

The fresco itself presents a youthful Jesus, clean-shaven, clad in a toga, and depicted as carrying a goat across his shoulders. This image is particularly noteworthy for being one of the few in Anatolia where Jesus is portrayed with distinctly Roman characteristics, blending elements of Roman culture with early Christian iconography.

Long before the cross became the universal emblem of Christianity, the image of the Good Shepherd was a powerful symbol of faith. It conveyed messages of protection, salvation, and divine guidance, resonating deeply with early Christian communities seeking solace and hope in a challenging era.

Despite its central role in early Christianity, however, only a few examples of the Good Shepherd have been found in Anatolia and the one in Hisardere is the best preserved.

The Associated Press was the first international media organization granted access to the tomb. Lead archaeologist Gulsen Kutbay described the artwork as possibly the “only example of its kind in Anatolia.”

The walls and ceiling of the cramped tomb are decorated with bird and plant motifs. Portraits of noble men and women, accompanied by slave attendants, also decorate the walls.

Eren Erten Ertem, an archaeologist from Iznik Museum, 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.”

The excavation uncovered the skeletons of five individuals, anthropologist Ruken Zeynep Kose said. Because of poor preservation, it was impossible to determine the ages of two of them, but the others were two young adults and a 6-month-old infant.

Pope Leo XIV visited Iznik last month to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea that produced a creed, or statement of faith, that is still recited by millions of Christians today.

Joined by patriarchs and priests from the Eastern and Western churches, Leo prayed that Christians might once again be united.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, presented a tile painting of the Good Shepherd discovery to Leo during his visit.

Anatolia witnessed pivotal moments in Christian history: St. Paul was born in Tarsus, St. John spent his final years in Ephesus and the Virgin Mary may have lived her last days near the same city.

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Wilks contributed from Istanbul.