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A remarkable archaeological discovery on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is transforming historians’ understanding of how Christianity spread during the seventh and eighth centuries.

Researchers uncovered a 1,400-year-old plaster plaque depicting a cross within the ruins of a church and monastery. The cross features a stepped pyramid reminiscent of Golgotha — the site believed to be where Jesus was crucified — with foliage sprouting from its base.

The find suggests a thriving Christian settlement existed in the region at a time when Islam was rapidly expanding and pagan traditions still persisted. Contrary to the long-held assumption that Christianity was in decline, evidence indicates that believers here were not only present but flourishing, according to The National .

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