(Photo: CRIENGLISH.com /AP)

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Archaeologists believe they've found a cave where John the Baptist baptized many of his followers.

    They've based their theory on thousands of shards from ritual jugs, a stone used for foot cleansing and wall carvings telling the story of the biblical preacher found in the cave. China Radio International reported Tuesday.

    Only a few artifacts linked to New Testament figures have ever been found in the Holy Land, and the cave is potentially a major discovery in biblical archaeology.

    According to the Bible, John was a fiery preacher with a considerable following.

    The cave was found hidden in a limestone hill on a communal farm 4 kilometres from Jerusalem.

    Archaeologists say further study of the artefacts is needed.

    (CRIENGLISH.com)