It is believed to be the oldest church in the world, and slightly older than the Church of the Resurrection and the Church of the Nativity, as it was built in the third century AD between 293 AD - 303 AD in the Jordanian city of Aqaba. It was discovered in 1998 AD through research and excavation work in the region, and found pottery finds and 24 skeletons excavated in the tombs, in which a copper cross was also found. Interestingly, the church was built of mud and brick and had a basilica design.