Hadrian’s Wall dig reveals oldest Christian graffiti on chalice

UK Guardian ^

[ameribbean expat]

A 5th-century chalice covered in religious iconography has been discovered in Northumberland, to the astonishment of archaeologists, who describe it as Britain’s first known example of Christian graffiti on an object. With its complex mass of crosses and chi-rhos, angels and a priestly figure, as well as fish, a whale and ships, it is believed to be without parallel in western Europe.

Made of lead and now in 14 fragments, it was unearthed at the Vindolanda Roman fort, one of Europe’s foremost archaeological sites, near Hadrian’s Wall, during an excavation that has also discovered the foundations of a significant church of the 5th or 6th century.

You’ve got crosses, a whale, fish, ships with lovely rigging and little flags, little angels, a priestly figure seemingly holding a crook with a big smiley face, ears of wheat.

“It’s just remarkable. Nothing in north-western Europe comes close from the period.”

[Dr. Sivana]

An inscription on a chalice is not “graffiti”.

[In_Iowa_not_from]

The leftist Guardian is trying to conflate vandalism with artwork.

[Cowboy Bob]

I had the same reaction. But after looking at the photo, I would maybe say they were crude etchings made by the owner of the cup.

[Does so]

“An inscription on a chalice is not “graffiti””

By Jupiter, it looks like graffiti to me!

;)

[Larry Lucido]

a whale, fish, ships

Even then they loved fish and ships!

[nwrep]

[mkmensinger]

“Nero is a poopyhead”

[SunkenCiv]

Here are the other GGG topics introduced since the previous Digest ping:

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[SunkenCiv]

The true origins of the Celtic Cross are unknown but there are many theories. In this video we examine the origins of the cross and chart its story from pre-Christian times to the modern day. It may have begun as a pagan symbol but it was championed by Christianity in the form of the High Crosses around Ireland and in illuminated manuscripts. The majority of people who use the Celtic cross symbol now are Christian but many people also wear Celtic cross pendants as a symbol of their Irish (or Scottish or Welsh) heritage. [IrelandCalling]

The Story of the Celtic Cross (symbolism and meaning)

[ZinGirl]

OMG. guffawed out loud. :)

[SunkenCiv]

http://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/397b7862494a188bb851db11f79870356edc8377/100_0_2203_2202/master/2203.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=e9f4aace87d09af4b43a1fe5f40970f0

[Feckless]

I have pictures of Roman soldiers' graffiti scratched into the walls of St Katherine's Monastery in the Sinai.

War changes, troops don't.

[Monkey Face]

“Hadrian was here.”

;o])

‘Face

[SunkenCiv]

Probably enjoyed a good cookout.

[Bob Ireland]

Probably not the Holy Grail???? 😇

[ameribbean expat]

It’s the Guardian. The fact that it’s acknowledging a 60 member parish in Roman Britain is uncharacteristic. Makes me suspicious...like they know the gig is almost up and they’re going to have to play the “but Jesus loves us so you have to too” card in the very near future.

[ameribbean expat]

See: image of Domatilla’s gravestone in the catacombs.

https://earlychurchhistory.org/christian-symbols/an-anchor-potent-christian-symbol/

[ameribbean expat]

Indiana Jones would take a pass.

[SunkenCiv]

:^) He got around.