World's 'unluckiest' church unearthed

What remains of the site could slide into the sea

On a day considered by many to be less than auspicious, News Online has unearthed the story of what could turn out to be the world's unluckiest church.

University of Warwick archaeologist Dr Stephen Hill discovered the remains of a 4th Century church when he was called to look at a dig on Turkey's Black Sea coast.

His research revealed the building had suffered two earthquakes, a flood and then a landslide, and all before construction had even finished.

Even after completion the tale of woe did not end - the church was abandoned before becoming an opium den and finally its remains were washed away by the sea.

Opium den

The first earthquake struck shortly before the church would have been completed and the builders were forced to abandon their work

In spite of the setbacks, work continued and a large floor mosaic was completed, which first alerted archaeologists to the site.

Despite the site being flooded the builders continued until a second earthquake hit the church as it was being fitted out with sculptures and other decorations.

The porch of the church survived for some time afterwards and the discovery of poppy seeds and part of a pipe by the Warwick team pointed to its later use as an opium den.

Dr Hill said even today it seemed as though there was a curse on what remains of the building.

He said: "We have managed to protect the mosaic with coastal defences but large cracks have appeared and it remains possible the whole site could slide into the Black Sea."