In a significant archaeological discovery in Germany, experts have identified an object in a grave that predates previously known Christian artefacts from the area by about 50 years.
During the years 2017-2018, a team of archaeologists focused their efforts on the northwestern outskirts of Frankfurt, where the ancient Roman town of Nida once stood.
In this German locale, they unearthed a burial site with 127 graves, as reported by Archeology News.
A particular grave caught their attention; it contained the remains of a man estimated to be aged between 35 and 40, who was interred sometime between A.D. 230 and 270.
Among the man’s grave goods, which included an incense burner and pottery, the team found a small, thin, rolled piece of silver foil resting beneath his chin.
The object measures approximately 1.4 inches (3.5 centimeters) and was likely used as an amulet.
This item has since been identified as a phylactery, an object thought to offer protection to its owner.
Dr. Tine Rassalle, a biblical archaeologist not involved with the study, explained to Live Science that such amulets were believed to guard against various misfortunes like illnesses, bodily pains, infertility, or demonic influences.
“In an era lacking modern medical knowledge, these items served as essential sources of comfort and security for individuals and their families,” she stated.
These types of wearables were commonly utilized in Late Antiquity, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean region, according to Dr. Rassalle.
The Library of Congress Research Guides indicates this period spans from the late third century to about the seventh century, varying by location.
“However, such amulets are considerably rarer in the western Roman world,” Dr. Rassalle noted.
“The amulet’s discovery in Germany implies that Christian concepts had started to reach regions quite distant from Christianity’s initial centers of expansion.”
Researchers employed sophisticated computer techniques at the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA) in Mainz to digitally ‘unroll’ the amulet-like object.
Discussing the complex process, Ivan Calandra, an archaeologist at LEIZA, said, “The challenge in the analysis was that the silver sheet was rolled, but after around 1,800 years, it was of course also creased and pressed.”
“Using CT, we were able to scan it at a very high resolution and create a 3D model.”
The digital process uncovered 18 lines of text, known as the Frankfurt Silver Inscription, which Professor Markus Scholz, an archaeologist from Goethe University in Frankfurt, successfully deciphered.
“I called in experts from the history of theology, among others, and we approached the text together, piece by piece, and finally deciphered it,” Professor Scholz noted, as reported by the Daily Mail.
He remarked that the amulet, described as “purely Christian,” indicated the man’s deep devotion to his faith.
The Frankfurt Silver Inscription marks the first evidence of Christianity north of the Alps from between A.D. 230 and 270.
Consequently, the man whose grave contained the amulet is being referred to by experts as the ‘first Christian north of the Alps.’
Dr. Ina Hartwig, head of culture and science in Frankfurt, praised the find as “extraordinary,” suggesting that it will “keep science busy for a long time to come.”
“This impacts archaeology, religious studies, philology, and anthropology,” she added.
“Such a significant find here in Frankfurt is truly extraordinary.”