Oldest Evidence of Christianity Found in Silver Amulet
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists uncovered a 1,800-year-old silver amulet in a burial site in Germany, revealing the oldest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. The amulet, measuring just 1.4 inches long, contained an 18-line Christian inscription in Latin, dating back to the third century. This finding challenges historians’ previous notions of early Roman Empire Christianity.
Uncovering the Past Through CT Scanning
Using cutting-edge technology like CT scanning, researchers were able to virtually unroll the tightly rolled silver foil inside the amulet. This revealed a unique Latin inscription invoking Jesus Christ and the Christian god, a rare find in the western Roman world. The discovery sheds light on the early spread of Christian ideas to regions far from the religion’s initial centers of growth.
Significance of the Frankfurt Inscription
The Latin inscription on the amulet, known as the “Frankfurt Inscription,” contains phrases previously unknown in early Christianity, such as “Holy, holy, holy!” and quotes from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. This groundbreaking discovery provides valuable insights into the development of Western Christianization and monotheism, pushing back the history of Christianity in Frankfurt by centuries.
Expert Perspective on the Findings
According to Tine Rassalle, an independent biblical archaeologist, the Frankfurt amulet represents a significant scientific breakthrough in understanding early Christianity. The exclusive invocation of Jesus Christ and the Christian god on the amulet sets it apart from other similar artifacts, highlighting the wearer’s strong commitment to their faith in a time of religious persecution.
Kristina Killgrove, a renowned archaeology and paleoanthropology expert, emphasized the importance of this discovery in reshaping our understanding of Christianity’s early history. She commended the researchers for their meticulous analysis and interpretation of the amulet’s inscription, which opens up new avenues for studying the spread of Christian beliefs in ancient times.
This remarkable find not only enriches our knowledge of early Christian practices but also underscores the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. The story of the man buried with the silver amulet serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of religion on individuals’ lives throughout history.
