Archaeologists excavating an ancient tomb in the village of Hizardera have uncovered a rare and exceptionally early fresco depicting Jesus Christ as the “Good Shepherd,” rendered in a distinct Roman artistic style. The discovery, announced by the excavation team, is being hailed as one of the most significant finds from Anatolia’s early Christian period.
The fresco was found on the north wall of a hypogeum, an underground tomb, during excavations in August 2025. The tomb had suffered prior desecration.
“In our initial examinations inside the tomb, which is oriented north-south, we encountered a fresco of the good shepherd Jesus on the north wall,” said the lead archaeologist on the project. “We believe that the other walls also contain depictions of individuals who likely belong to an aristocratic family.”
The researcher noted that these aristocratic portraits bear strong resemblance to Fayum mummy portraits from Egypt. The overall decorative scheme, described as a symposium or banquet scene, is considered unique in the region. “If we were to interpret it through the lens of the good shepherd depiction, we are considering the possibility that it is the only example of its kind in Anatolia,” the archaeologist added.
Experts have dated the tomb to the 3rd century AD, a period when Christianity was still an outlawed and persecuted faith within the Roman Empire. The iconography of the frescoes is seen as a pivotal historical record.
“The depictions in the frescos found inside the hypogeum tomb show a transition from late paganism to early Christianity, depicting the deceased being sent off to the afterlife in a positive and fitting manner,” the archaeological team explained.
Beyond the central Jesus figure, the cramped tomb’s walls and ceiling feature bird and plant motifs framing portraits of nobles and their slave attendants. Excavations also revealed the skeletons of five individuals, though not all could be identified.
The discovery recently gained diplomatic attention. During a recent visit by Pope Leo to the nearby town of Iznik, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented the pontiff with a tile painting replica of the Good Shepherd fresco as a gift.
The find provides a tangible link to the clandestine early Christian communities of Anatolia, offering a rare glimpse into the art and burial practices of a faith in its formative and perilous years.
