Mysterious 1,800-year-old silver amulet discovered in Germany could rewrite the history of Christianity in Europe [3rd c AD]

Daily Mail ^ | December 16, 2024 | Jonathan Chadwick

[SunkenCiv]

It was last read by a human 1,800 years ago, when Christianity was regarded a burgeoning cult.

Now, scientists have finally deciphered the 'Frankfurt silver inscription' – an 18-line engraving on a thin piece of foil, housed in a protective amulet.

Measuring 1.4 inches (3.5cm) long, the 1,800-year-old silver amulet was found with the skeleton of a man at a burial site on the outskirts of Frankfurt, Germany.

Researchers have used CT scans to 'digitally unroll' the 'wafer thin' foil and read the inscription within for the first time since the 3rd century AD.

Incredibly, the text represents the oldest known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps, dating back to between 230 and 270 AD, scientists say.

At the time, Christianity was still spreading over Europe from its historical origin of Judaea in the Middle East.

Described as 'purely Christian', the Latin text makes references to Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, as well as Saint Titus, an early Christian missionary and church leader.

[SunkenCiv]

Researchers have used CT scans to 'digitally unroll' the foil and read the inscription for the first time since the 3rd century AD

© LEZA

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks for the link! And in case we don't virtually meet by then, Merry Christmas, all!

[vpintheak]

It doesn’t rewrite anything. It is interesting though. Hate how they called early Christianity a cult in the article.

[Skwor]

Or it could not, in fact I am sure it won’t.

[Tell It Right]

Full text translated:

(In the name?) of Saint Titus.

Holy, holy, holy!

In the name of Jesus Christ, Son of God!

The Lord of the world

resists with [strengths?]

all attacks(?)/setbacks(?).

The God(?) grants

entry to well-being.

May this means of salvation(?) protect

the man who

surrenders himself to the will

of the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,

since before Jesus Christ

every knee bows: those in heaven, those on earth

and those

under the earth, and every tongue

confesses (Jesus Christ).

[Tell It Right]

Agreed. It doesn’t rewrite anything. That fact that it is in Latin suggests, not that the Germanic tribes were getting into Christianity, but someone else was a Christian and was among them. Unless I’m wrong the the Germanic tribes north of the alps resisted assimilating the Roman Latin language into their culture.

[madison10]

Christianity WAS considered a cult, especially by Jews. The Romans also thought the same.

The article did not say it was a cult, but that it was thought to be one.

[Verginius Rufus]

The last part reads like a quotation from Philippians 2.10-11.

[teeman8r]

drink more oveltine.

[Tell It Right]

Agreed. When I ready “Holy holy holy” I was thinking Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8.

[Rusty0604]

Very interesting, thanks.

[AAABEST]

That fact that it is in Latin suggests, not that the Germanic tribes were getting into Christianity, but someone else was a Christian and was among them.

If the assumption is that wearer came from afar.

Latin was how scripture, sacred documents et al were shared in early church to prevent error.

We would need to know more about the wearer. Knowing if Latin was his first language or if he was local would tell much.

If he was local, he was likely evangelized in place via Latin scripture by the early church.

[DSH]

The last part reads like a quotation from Philippians 2.10-11.

Yes. I believe that the consensus among scholars is that it is. Which makes the reference to Paul's companion Titus, in the first line, all the more interesting.

[katana]

“Don’t forget to drink your Ovaltine”

[Verginius Rufus]

The find spot may have been within the border of the Roman Empire.

Eusebius quotes at length an account of the persecution of Christians in Lugdunum (Lyon) in 177--that's north of the Alps.

[Tell It Right]

Latin was how scripture, sacred documents et al were shared in early church to prevent error. We would need to know more about the wearer. Knowing if Latin was his first language or if he was local would tell much. If he was local, he was likely evangelized in place via Latin scripture by the early church.

Keep in mind that this wasn't a copy of the Bible. And most places where the early church evangelized, they either used their own spoken language or the local language. For example, the so-called "Syrian Christians" or sometimes called "Thomas Christians" in India used Aramaic because that's what Thomas the Apostle spoke. Later, local languages became the norm for their mementos on remembering Christian beliefs. (read: I'm not talking about taking time to translate the entire Bible, though that came later).

This person's memento with Latin writings could mean either he or his loved one was from a Latin speaking area (read: somewhere the Roman empire had huge influence over, which if I'm not mistaken didn't include the Germanic tribes north of the alps). I'm saying "could mean" because if we're honest, we're just guessing with the little information preserved.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks TiR.

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Hope they run a DNA test on the owner!

Would be interesting to know where he came from and if he has any relatives!

[SunkenCiv]

Go to your rooms! ;^)

[SunkenCiv]

Yes, and thank you!