Archaeologists uncovered the painting which shows a young, clean-shaven Jesus carrying a goat. The historic mural was found in an underground tomb in northwestern Türkiye
Archaeologists discovered one of the best preserved paintings of a young Jesus in an underground tomb not far from Iznik – historically known as Nicaea – a famous town in northwestern Türkiye (Image: Saliha Nur Koksal/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Archaeologists continue to unearth groundbreaking discoveries which shed some light on the development and expansion of early Christianity, including what’s been commonly regarded as the “best” preserved image of Jesus Christ.
The painting, which depicts a young Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” and shows him styled with Roman features, was found in an underground tomb not far from Iznik – historically known as Nicaea – a famous town in northwestern Türkiye renowned for being birthplace of the Nicene Creed, which helped shape early Christianity.
The Nicene Creed was established in A.D. 325 when the region was part of the Roman Empire. During this time, Christians faced much persecution, with the cave painting of Jesus offering insight into the lives and practices of Christians during such a difficult and perilous time.
The Good Shepherd painting shows a clean-shaven Jesus wearing a toga and carrying a goat. The goat rests on Jesus’ shoulders, its head turned on Jesus’ left side. By his feet, four more goats roam through abstract flowers and greenery.
Researchers have said it’s one of the rare examples in Anatolia – now modern Türkiye – where Jesus is shown with clearly Roman features.
Now, the cross is arguably the most famous and instantly recognisable symbol of Christianity all over the world but before that, it was the Good Shepherd concept which helped convey and express ideas of faith. It was said to symbolise salvation, divine guidance and protection.
The cave painting was first discovered in August 2025 and is the best preserved image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. According to The Independent, lead archaeologist Gulsen Kutbay described the artwork as likely the “only example of its kind in Anatolia.”
It’s not the only work of art inside the tomb, though. The curved walls of the small, cramped space are adorned with depictions of birds and plants, and there’s even portraits of noble men and women – though they appear to be accompanied by slaves.
Eren Erten Ertem, an archaeologist from Iznik Museum, told The Independent the murals showed “a transition from late paganism to early Christianity, depicting the deceased being sent off to the afterlife in a positive and fitting manner.”
It wasn’t just art inside the cave, though. The excavation led to the discovery of the skeletons of five people, according to anthropologist Ruken Zeynep Kose.
Due to their poor preservation, it wasn’t possible to accurately determine the ages of two of them, but the others were two young adults and a six-month-old baby.
Professor Candida Moss of the University of Birmingham, a leading authority on early Christianity, told The Independent: “The large number of recent early Christian archaeological discoveries in Turkey are of very substantial significance.”
She added: “Anatolia – what is now Türkiye – was in many ways the cradle of early Christianity.
“The region – visited by the apostles Peter and Paul and other very early missionaries – is of huge importance in the religion’s early history.”
Professor Moss added: “And, of course, when Christianity became the official religion of the empire, the Romans moved their capital from Rome to what is now Istanbul.”
