Additional Coverage:
Ancient Silver Amulet Reshapes History of Christianity
An extraordinary silver amulet discovered in Germany has sent shockwaves through the archaeological community. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, the amulet bears an inscription that reveals the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps mountains.
The inscription, translated through advanced computer scans, is a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It suggests that the amulet’s wearer was a devout Christian, a rarity for that time and region.
The amulet was found in a grave dating between 230 and 270 AD, predating all other known Christian finds north of the Alps by decades. It is the first artifact to indicate the existence of Christianity in this area as early as the 3rd century.
Researchers are astounded by the amulet’s unique focus on Christianity. Unlike similar amulets of the era, which typically blended different faiths, this one is exclusively dedicated to the Christian faith. It also includes quotations from the Bible, such as “Holy, holy, holy,” which was previously believed to have originated in the 4th century.
This discovery has prompted a reassessment of the burial ground where the amulet was found and of the history of Christianity in northern Europe. It provides valuable insights into the spread of the religion during a period of persecution under the Roman Empire.
One expert, Ulrich Volp, believes the amulet offers a glimpse into the early dissemination of Christianity throughout the empire. He says its significance “can hardly be overestimated.”