Discovered: Ancient Baptistry Connected to Early Christian Rituals in France by Archaeologists

In the picturesque town of Vence, France, archaeologists have recently uncovered an ancient baptistery dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries A.D. This significant discovery confirms the antiquity of the bishopric of Vence and enhances our knowledge of early Christian religious practices in the Alpes-Maritimes and Provence.

The baptistery, estimated to be 1,500 to 1,600 years old, is a circular building, likely surrounded by a colonnade and covered, with an octagonal baptismal font that is cross-shaped on the inside. The foundation of the baptistery is the only relic that remains, but the font, or the baptism receptacle, is "in very good condition."

The baptistery was found less than 10 miles west of Nice, situated in front of the forecourt of the cathedral, which was a common layout at the time. After it was abandoned, two bell molds were installed in the nave of the old cathedral.

Several burials were uncovered in the cathedral's nave, likely those of religious figures (bishops or canons) from the Carolingian period. Radiocarbon dating will help clarify the timeline of these burials.

The site has yielded evidence of more than six centuries of Christian activity, from the fifth to 11th centuries. The cathedral, which was demolished in the 11th century to build a new one right next to it, also revealed a Roman dwelling beneath its foundations.

Last year, historians unveiled a silver inscription representing the earliest-known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. This discovery, along with the recent unearthing of the baptistery, adds to the rich tapestry of Christian history in the region.

Meanwhile, international researchers from the Noah's Ark Project have been testing soil samples from the Durupinar site in eastern Turkey. These tests suggest that the boat-shaped site once harbored ancient wood, though no direct information on newly discovered sites related to Noah's Ark in Turkey or other locations in recent years is available.

The discovery of the baptistery in Vence is a testament to the enduring allure of the past and the ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve our shared history. As research continues, we can look forward to a deeper understanding of the religious practices and cultural developments of early Christian communities in Europe.