In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed a 1,800-year-old silver amulet in Frankfurt, Germany, offering new insights into the early spread of Christianity in Europe. This artifact, found beneath the chin of a male skeleton, is inscribed with a Latin text proclaiming Jesus Christ as the “Son of God,” dating back to 230-270 CE.
The amulet, measuring approximately 1.4 inches in height, contained a tightly-rolled scroll, featuring 18 lines of Latin inscription. Utilizing advanced CT scanning technology, researchers from the Leibniz Center for Archaeology successfully deciphered the delicate text, revealing its Christian content. The amulet, along with the inscription, represents the oldest known evidence of Christianity discovered north of the Alps.
“These amulets were widely used in Late Antiquity, especially in the eastern Mediterranean world, but they are much rarer in the western Roman world. The discovery of this amulet in Germany suggests that Christian ideas had already begun to penetrate areas far from Christianity’s early centers of growth,” Biblical archeologist Tine Rassalle told Live Science.
The inscription’s exclusive Christian references, without any mention of Judaism or paganism, make it an exceptional find for its time. This discovery suggests that Christian communities existed in northern Europe earlier than previously believed, potentially shifting the timeline of Christianity’s spread by 50 to 100 years, according to Yahoo! News.
Of the lengthy translation process, Goethe University professor Markus Scholz told Fox News, “Sometimes it took weeks, even months, for me to have the next idea. I brought in experts from the history of theology, among other things, and piece by piece we have approached the text together and ultimately deciphered it.” The inscription begins, “In the name of Saint Titus, Holy, holy, holy! In the name of Jesus Christ, God’s Son!”
The amulet’s discovery beneath the chin of the skeleton indicates it was worn as a protective talisman, a common practice in ancient times. Such artifacts often invoked various deities; however, this piece is unique in its sole dedication to Christian symbolism. This finding not only enhances our understanding of early Christian practices but also highlights the personal devotion of individuals during that era.
This discovery adds to a series of significant archaeological finds that are reshaping our understanding of early Christianity. Recent discoveries, such as the Megiddo Mosaic and manuscripts detailing Christ’s childhood, further illuminate the rich tapestry of early Christian history. The Frankfurt amulet, in particular, underscores the presence and resilience of Christian communities in regions previously thought to be predominantly pagan.
The amulet has been added to the permanent collection of the Frankfurt Archeological Museum, where it will be studied and displayed for public viewing. This discovery is expected to stimulate further research and discussions across various fields, including archeology, theology, and history, offering a deeper understanding of the early Christian experience in Europe.
