See photos: Archaeologists unearth 1,200-year-old bread with the face of Jesus Christ

In a recent update, archaeologists in south-central Turkey have made a spectacular discovery wherein they have found five loaves of bread belonging from the 7th–8th centuries. But the news here is that one of the loaves had a depiction of Jesus Christ (face) along with a Greek inscription that roughly translates “With our gratitude to Blessed Jesus”, according to the Catholic News Agency, Türkiye Today and Fox News.
More about the discovery


This extraordinary discovery was made in the city of Eirenopolis, today known as the Topraktepe site in the Ermenek district of Karaman Province. As per a statement issued by the Karaman Governorship on 8 October 2025, archaeologists working under the auspices of the Karaman Museum Directorate and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye unearthed the remains of five small round bread loaves.

Jesus as a farmer

These loaves are not your regular discovery but are remarkable. And it’s not their age but their extraordinary state of preservation and the likely Jesus appearing as a farmer on one of the loaves that makes them unique and special. These loaves were carbonised, meaning charred in a special manner to prevent the normal microbial decomposition of the bread. Other loaves feature a stamped Maltese cross motif, a Christian symbol.

Archaeologists and historians propose that these loaves may have been used as early Christian ritual breads, maybe for the Eucharist (communion) in local congregations. The decoration and inscription suggest they were objects of devotion. The depiction of Christ as a farmer or sower is quite unique. It is symbolic of sowing seeds, fertility, labour and harvest.
Historical context

During the 7th–8th centuries, Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) was a part of the Byzantine world and bread was an important staple diet along with being a religious symbolism—within Christian theology the metaphor of bread is rich. The discovery of bread loaves stamped, decorated, inscribed and preserved shows everyday life, agriculture, faith and ritual of the bygone civilisation. But the surprising aspect here is that these loaves are discovered in such good condition. These are probably the best-preserved examples of early Christian ritual bread found in Anatolia to date.
What happens next
The discovery has created global interest. Now, the archaeologists have planned chemical and botanical testing of the bread. The research will allow the world to find what kind of cereal was used and how the loaf was baked and preserved.

It is an exciting discovery for sure. However researchers have warned against over-interpretation as it is an initial stage. The exact role of the bread still remains a mystery. Having said that, this in itself is valuable and gives voice to communities.

The unique discovery at Topraktepe is rare and fascinating at the same time. It gives an insight into the day-to-day life, culture and faith of a rural Christian community in medieval Anatolia.