Aerial photographs commissioned by the government of the Bursa Province in Turkey revealed the remarkable outline of a church submerged in Lake Iznik, near ancient Nicea. It is located in only 10 feet of water, about 160 feet from shore. Archaeologists believe the church may have been built on the site of the former Senate Palace, where the first Council of Nicea took place in 325 AD. Underwater excavations have revealed several graves dating to the fourth century underneath the basilica's main wall which included coins dating to the reign of Emperor Valens (364-378 AD). There is evidence that an earlier pagan temple to Apollo might lie beneath the church. Plans are being made for the construction of an underwater museum that would include a walkway over the submerged church and an underwater glass room in the nave of the basilica.
Off-site Links:
- https://www.livescience.com/63498-ancient-church-hidden-in-turkey-lake.html
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6139027/Submerged-ruins-church-heralded-one-Christianitys-important-places-spotted.html
