Archaeologists have discovered a rare third-century fresco near Iznik depicting Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" with Roman features — a youthful, clean-shaven figure in a toga carrying a goat. Found in August in an underground tomb, the painting is considered one of the most significant early Christian artworks from Anatolia and may be unique in the region. The announcement coincided with the pope's visit to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where church leaders prayed and recited the Nicene Creed.
Rare Roman‑Style 'Good Shepherd' Fresco Unearthed Near Iznik During Papal Visit
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) welcomes Pope Leo XIV (R) with an official welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye, on Nov. 27, 2025.
Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a rare early Christian fresco depicting Jesus as the "Good Shepherd," rendered in a Roman style: a youthful, clean-shaven figure in a toga carrying a goat over his shoulders. The painting was discovered in August inside an underground tomb close to the town of Iznik, the site associated with the Council of Nicaea and the adoption of the Nicene Creed in A.D. 325.
The tomb is believed to date to the third century, when the region was still under Roman rule and Christians could face persecution. The fresco's classical features and Roman dress set it apart from the more familiar Eastern iconographic portrayals of Christ; researchers say this combination of attributes is exceptionally rare for Anatolia.
Significance and Context
Uncommon Iconography: The Associated Press — the first international outlet given access to the chamber — reported that the painting shows Romanized attributes. The lead archaeologist on the excavation told the AP the fresco may be "the only example of its kind in Anatolia," underlining its potential importance for understanding regional variations in early Christian art.
Link To A Historic Anniversary: News of the fresco emerged as the pope (reported in coverage as "Pope Leo XIV") visited Iznik on his first overseas trip since becoming pontiff, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. During the visit, Eastern and Western patriarchs and local clergy prayed at the site associated with the council and recited the Nicene Creed.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented a tile painting inspired by the "Good Shepherd" fresco to the pope, and religious leaders prayed for Christian unity at the historic location.
Ongoing Research
Archaeologists continue to study the tomb, its inscriptions and associated finds to refine the dating and cultural context of the fresco. Researchers hope the painting will shed light on how Christian communities in Roman Anatolia represented Christ and how local and classical artistic traditions intersected in the provinces.
"This may be the only example of its kind in Anatolia," the lead archaeologist said, emphasizing the rarity and research value of the discovery.
The Associated Press contributed to reporting on the find.
