Archaeologists have discovered a groundbreaking artifact in a 3rd-century Roman grave near Frankfurt, Germany, providing the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. The silver amulet, known as the “Frankfurt Silver Inscription,” dates back to approximately 230-270 CE and predates previously known Christian artifacts from this region by nearly 50 years.
The inscription, etched into a small rolled silver foil, was deciphered using advanced computer tomography technology. It contains an 18-line Latin text with exclusively Christian content, a rarity for its time. The translation reveals invocations to St. Titus and Jesus Christ, as well as elements of Christian liturgy.
This discovery has significant implications for multiple fields, including archaeology, theology, and Roman history. It pushes back the timeline for evidence of Christianity in the region by several decades, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Roman Empire’s diverse cultural and religious currents.
The meticulous preservation and analysis of the amulet exemplify the benefits of collaboration between institutions. The project involved several organizations and project partners, including the City of Frankfurt on the Main, the Archaeological Museum Frankfurt, and the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA).
This find provides a unique window into early Christianity, inviting further research into how Christianity emerged and thrived in dynamic environments during the 3rd century.
Source: https://archaeologymag.com/2024/12/oldest-evidence-of-christianity-north-of-the-alps