Frankfurt, Germany – December 18, 2024 – Archaeologists have unveiled an 1,800-year-old silver amulet discovered in Frankfurt, Germany, marking the earliest known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. This significant find, dating between 230 and 270 AD, suggests that Christian communities were present in Europe earlier than previously documented.
Discovery and Deciphering of the Amulet
The amulet was found in 2018 during excavations of a Roman-era cemetery near the ancient town of Nida, now a suburb of Frankfurt. Positioned beneath the chin of a male skeleton estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old, the silver capsule contained a delicate, rolled silver foil inscribed with an 18-line Latin text. Due to the fragility of the foil, researchers employed advanced computed tomography (CT) scanning techniques to virtually unroll and decipher the inscription. Experts from the Leibniz Center for Archaeology and Goethe University Frankfurt collaborated on this meticulous process, revealing a text that invokes Jesus Christ as the “Son of God” and includes early Christian liturgical elements such as the Trisagion (“holy, holy, holy”).
Source: Wikipedia
Implications for the History of Christianity in Europe
This discovery challenges existing timelines of Christian expansion into Europe, potentially pushing back the presence of Christian communities by 50 to 100 years. Prior to this find, the earliest reliable evidence of Christianity north of the Alps was associated with Maternus, bishop of Cologne, who participated in the Synod of Rome in 313 AD. Dr. Markus Scholz, an archaeologist involved in the study, noted, “The exclusive Christian content of this inscription, devoid of polytheistic elements, indicates a devout Christian belief during a period when such faith was still subject to persecution within the Roman Empire.”
Source: Wikipedia
Contextualizing the Find
The mid-3rd century was a tumultuous period for early Christians, who often faced persecution. The use of amulets inscribed with sacred texts served both as declarations of faith and protective talismans. This particular amulet’s invocation of Jesus Christ and Saint Titus suggests it was intended to ward off evil and provide spiritual protection. Church historian Wolfram Kinzig from the University of Bonn remarked, “This inscription is among the earliest attestations of the New Testament in Roman Germania and marks the first known usage of the Trisagion in Christian liturgy.”
Source: Wikipedia
Broader Significance and Future Research
The unearthing of this amulet not only enriches our understanding of early Christian history but also exemplifies the advancements in archaeological technology, such as virtual unrolling of delicate artifacts. The artifact has been added to the permanent collection of the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum, where it will continue to be studied. Scholars anticipate that this find will stimulate further research into the spread of Christianity in Europe, encouraging a reevaluation of historical narratives concerning early Christian communities.
As Dr. Scholz aptly stated, “This extraordinary find will impact and stimulate research across various fields for years to come.”
Source: New York Post
For more information on this discovery, visit the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum’s official website.
