Archaeologists in Frankfurt (Main) have uncovered a groundbreaking historical artifact: a silver amulet believed to be the oldest Christian document north of the Alps. The find sheds new light on early Christianity during the Roman Empire and has sparked widespread excitement among historians and researchers. This remarkable discovery dates back to the third century AD.
By Sadie Watkins
Unearthing a Piece of History
The silver amulet was initially discovered in 2018 during excavations in Frankfurt’s Praunheim district, once the site of the Roman settlement Nida. Found in a grave, the amulet was worn around the neck of a man buried between 230 and 270 AD. Measuring just 3.5 centimeters, the artifact’s fragile condition required advanced imaging technology to reveal its secrets. Researchers turned to the Leibniz Center for Archaeology in Mainz, where the amulet was “digitally unrolled” using a computed tomography (CT) scanner.
Decoding an Ancient Message
Inside the amulet, a wafer-thin silver scroll was found, inscribed with 18 lines of Latin text. The painstaking process of deciphering the brittle, nearly illegible text revealed a hymn praising Jesus Christ, repeating the phrase “Holy! Holy! Holy!” This makes the artifact the earliest known Christian inscription in the region. According to Markus Scholz, a professor of archaeology at Frankfurt’s Goethe University, such an explicit declaration of faith was especially risky at a time when Christians faced persecution.
A Testament to Faith
Amulets of this kind were typically crafted to protect their wearers and often contained appeals to multiple gods. Uniquely, this amulet is dedicated solely to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the profound faith of its owner. The man buried with the artifact likely faced significant danger for his beliefs but chose to carry his faith even in death. This discovery not only highlights the spread of Christianity but also its deeply personal impact on individuals during the Roman Empire.
A Historic Revelation
This silver amulet is more than an artifact; it is a window into the lives and beliefs of early Christians in Europe. Its discovery in Frankfurt underscores the city’s importance in ancient history and provides a tangible link to the roots of Christianity in the region.
This silver amulet stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and devotion of early Christians in a time of persecution. Its unique inscription provides invaluable insight into the spread of Christianity and its significance to individuals during the Roman Empire. The artifact’s discovery opens new avenues for understanding the religious and cultural dynamics of ancient Europe.
Based on content from bild.de and own research.