An ancient silver amulet discovered in a third-century grave near Frankfurt, Germany is being hailed as an unprecedented discovery that reshapes perspectives on the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. The artefact, dating between 230 and 270 AD, has an 18-line Latin inscription and represents the earliest known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps, according to a study published by the Leibniz Center for Archeology (LEIZA) on December 11. Is.
This amulet, 3.5 centimeters long, was found with the remains of a man buried in a cemetery on the outskirts of Frankfurt. Researchers determined that the thin sheet of silver inside the amulet was likely worn on a rope around the neck, as it was located under the chin of the deceased. Conservation efforts and analysis, which included high-resolution CT scanning to create a 3D model, revealed the inscription. Professor Markus Scholz of the Goethe University Institute of Archaeological Sciences deciphered the text.
Rare insight into early Christian practices
The Christian phrases in the amulet are exclusively in Latin, making it unusual compared to similar artefacts, which often include Greek or Hebrew inscriptions. Dr. Tine Russell, an independent biblical archaeologist, told Live Science that such amulets were commonly used in the eastern Mediterranean, making this Western Roman find particularly rare.
The inscription invokes St. Titus and Jesus Christ, while referencing Christian scripture such as Philippians. Researchers highlighted its importance and said that “Holy, holy, holy!” Phrases like. Appearing before the first belief.
Impact on historical understanding
The discovery shows that Christianity had reached areas far beyond its initial centers by the 3rd century. Experts linked the amulet to the risks of practicing Christianity under Roman rule, where persecution often forced secrecy. A similar discovery from the same period in Bulgaria corroborates this narrative.
Frankfurt Mayor Mike Joseph said the artwork reframes local and regional Christian history, pushing its timeline back several decades.
