Archaeologists working in the historic Turkish city of İznik have revealed a stunning third-century fresco depicting Jesus as the "Good Shepherd"—the only known example of this iconic Christian motif in Anatolia. The discovery at the Hisardere Necropolis offers fresh insights into the spread of early Christianity across Asia Minor and reveals how Roman artistic traditions merged with nascent Christian beliefs during a pivotal period in religious history.
The newly documented chamber tomb came to light during the 2025 excavation season under the direction of İznik Museum Director Tolga Koparal, with scientific coordination led by Professor Aygun Ekin Meric from Dokuz Eylul University's Department of Archaeology. Dating to the third century, the subterranean burial chamber features remarkably preserved frescoes covering three walls and the ceiling, making it stand out among the region's painted tombs due to its rare inclusion of human figures Turkey Today.
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The Good Shepherd fresco above a raised platform in the tomb in Hisardere Necropolis, Turkey. (Arkeolojihaber)
A Beardless Shepherd in Roman Style
The focal point of the tomb is positioned on the north wall directly behind a raised platform, known as a kline, where the deceased were laid to rest on square terracotta slabs. Here, the Good Shepherd scene shows Jesus as a clean-shaven young man clothed in a simple tunic, with a large horned goat draped across his shoulders. Pairs of goats flank him on either side, creating a symmetrical composition that echoes both classical Roman art and the symbolic language of early Christianity.
Researchers have emphasized the significance of the beardless, youthful depiction of Christ, which aligns with artistic conventions prevalent in Roman visual culture during the second and third centuries. This style contrasts sharply with later Byzantine representations that portrayed Jesus with a beard and more mature features. The fresco's clear Roman stylistic influences underscore the cultural syncretism occurring in Anatolia as Christianity established its foothold in a region steeped in classical traditions Daily Mail.
Biblical Roots and Symbolic Meaning
The "Good Shepherd" motif holds profound theological significance for Christians, directly referencing Jesus's declaration in the Gospel of John: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). Before the cross became Christianity's universal symbol in later centuries, early believers relied heavily on this pastoral imagery to express their faith while avoiding persecution.
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The image conveyed themes of divine protection, salvation, and spiritual guidance at a time when overt Christian symbolism remained uncommon and potentially dangerous. By depicting Christ as a shepherd carrying a lost lamb or goat to safety, these early artworks communicated hope in resurrection and eternal life - a message particularly poignant in funerary contexts like the Hisardere chamber tomb.
Interestingly, the same west wall that features the Good Shepherd also contains a symposium scene showing a married couple, presumably the tomb's occupants, portrayed as aristocrats reclining at a feast. This juxtaposition illustrates the transitional nature of third-century religious art in Anatolia, where Christian iconography coexisted with pagan traditions depicting the afterlife as an everlasting banquet.
A clean shaven Jesus portrayed as the Good Shepherd in the fresco. (Arkeolojihaber)
İznik's Christian Legacy
The discovery takes on additional significance given İznik's pivotal role in early Christian history. Ancient Nicaea, as the city was known, served as the site of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, a watershed moment when Emperor Constantine convened more than 300 bishops to establish foundational Christian doctrines, including the Nicene Creed.
The Hisardere Necropolis functioned as a cemetery from the second through fifth centuries, serving both wealthy families and lower social classes. Its diverse grave types include chamber tombs with distinctive terracotta-plaque roofs that are unique to İznik, heavy stone sarcophagi, upright-slab cist graves, and extensive underground hypogea carved into the bedrock.
While no objects suitable for direct dating were recovered from the newly discovered tomb, its structural features correspond closely to other examples already documented at the site, supporting the third-century dating. This chronological placement situates the fresco in the Early Christian period, when believers in Anatolia were navigating the complex social and political landscape of the late Roman Empire.
As excavations continue, researchers anticipate that the Hisardere Necropolis may yield additional frescoes, inscriptions, and artifacts that will further illuminate the multicultural and religious dynamics of ancient Nicaea. The site's potential to reveal more about the spread of Christianity through Asia Minor makes it one of the most promising archaeological endeavors in modern Turkey.
Top image: frescoed chamber tomb at Hisardere Necropolis in Iznik, showing the Good Shepherd scene on the back wall. Source: Arkeolojihaber
By Gary Manners
References
Bible Odyssey. 2024. The Good Shepherd in the Catacomb of Priscilla. Available at: https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/the-good-shepherd-in-the-catacomb-of-priscilla/
Britannica. 2025. First Council of Nicaea: Christianity, Arianism, History. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/event/First-Council-of-Nicaea-325
Daily Mail. 2025. Stunning 'Good Shepherd Jesus' mural discovered in ancient tomb proves significant Bible verse. Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15372105/Good-Shepherd-Jesus-mural-Bible.html
Middle East Eye. 2025. Turkey unveils rare and ancient Christian fresco during the pope's visit. Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-unveils-rare-christian-artefact-during-popes-visit
Turkey Today. 2025. Anatolia's only known 'Good Shepherd' Jesus fresco uncovered in Iznik, crafted in Roman style. Available at: https://www.turkiyetoday.com/culture/anatolias-only-known-good-shepherd-jesus-fresco-uncovered-in-iznik-crafted-in-roman-s-3211092
