A small silver amulet unearthed in a nearly 2,000-year-old grave near Frankfurt, Germany, offers a groundbreaking glimpse into the early spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire.
The Discovery
The amulet, measuring less than 1.5 inches, dates back to between 230 and 270 A.D. Engraved with 18 lines of Christian text, this artifact represents the earliest known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. This find predates previously known Christian artifacts in the region by several decades.
Dr. Ina Hartwig, Frankfurt’s Head of Culture and Science, emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating:
“This extraordinary find bridges archaeology, religious studies, philology, and anthropology. It’s a remarkable contribution to understanding the early Christian movement in this region.”
The Context
The amulet was uncovered in 2018 during an excavation of Nida, an ancient Roman settlement located near modern-day Frankfurt. This excavation revealed not just a single grave but an entire Roman cemetery.
Within one grave, archaeologists discovered a skeleton buried with pottery, an incense chalice, and the amulet, which was likely worn as a necklace. Known as a phylactery, the silver foil inside the amulet was delicately rolled and too fragile to unroll upon discovery.
Breakthrough in Deciphering the Text
It wasn’t until May 2024 that researchers made a breakthrough. Using advanced CT scanning technology at the Leibniz Center for Archaeology in Mainz, Germany, experts digitally unraveled and decoded the amulet’s inscriptions.
Dr. Ivan Calandra, Head of the Imaging Laboratory at the Leibniz Center, described the challenge:
“The silver sheet was not only rolled but also crumpled and compressed after nearly 1,800 years. The process of analyzing it was meticulous and required innovative methods.”
The deciphering process, led by Dr. Markus Scholz from Goethe University, took months. Scholars collaborated across disciplines to interpret the text, which reads:
Translation of the Amulet Text
- (In the name?) of Saint Titus
- Holy, holy, holy!
- In the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
- The Lord of the world resists all setbacks.
- The God grants entry to well-being.
- This means of salvation protects the human being who surrenders to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
- All knees bow before Jesus Christ—the heavenly, earthly, and subterranean—and every tongue confesses Jesus Christ.
Significance of the Text
This text is remarkable for its complete absence of references to Judaism or pagan religions, marking a distinct Christian identity. Furthermore, it is written entirely in Latin, unlike many early Christian artifacts which commonly use Greek or Hebrew.
The amulet predates other known references to Christianity in the region, making it a pivotal discovery for understanding the early spread of the faith in third-century Germany.
Broader Implications
Marcus Gwechenberger, Frankfurt’s Head of Planning and Housing, called the cemetery and its artifacts “finds of inestimable value.” This amulet not only provides insight into early Christian practices but also sheds light on the cultural and religious dynamics of the Roman Empire during that era.
As scholars continue to analyze the find, its contributions to the study of Christianity’s spread and the history of the Roman Empire will be invaluable.
Source: USA Today
