Archaeologists unearth 4th century church

[Crvena zvezda]

Archaeologists unearth 4th century church15 May 2007 | 16:59 | Source: AFP BELGRADE -- Archaeologists have discovered a 4th century Christian church in southern Serbia, the Blic reported Tuesday.

"It's an exceptional discovery," Gordana Jeremić, the lead archaeologist at the Mediana site near the city of Niš, was quoted as saying.

The ruins were located only several meters from another church that was discovered in 2000, the paper reported.

The excavation also unearthed more than 600 objects including coins, jewels, utensils, and frescos.

"The discovery of a bronze ring decorated with a cross is particularly important because it proves that Christians lived here," Jeremić said.

Mediana, once a Roman vacation resort, is located on the outskirts of Nis, the birthplace of Roman emperor Constantine The Great, which at the time was known as Niassus.

[Gladstone]

Sounds like a great find they've got there.

[Errigal]

That must be one of the earliest churches in Europe. Interesting too the link with the first Christian emperor.