A significant archaeological discovery has emerged from Frankfurt, Germany, where archaeologists uncovered a skeleton accompanied by a silver amulet estimated to be around 1,800 years old. This finding, announced in early December 2023, is believed to belong to a Christian during a time when Christianity was outlawed.
The site of modern-day Frankfurt was once under Roman control, part of the expansive Roman Empire that stretched from Britain to the Black Sea and from Spain to Egypt. The ancient city, known as Nida, continues to reveal artifacts such as amphorae and sculptures.
The amulet, measuring 3.5 centimeters, is considered the oldest Christian artifact found north of the Alps. The grave, identified as number 134, dates between 230 and 270 AD, containing the remains of a male individual. The amulet was located beneath the man's chin, raising questions about whether he was a local or merely passing through the area.
The inscription on the amulet was deciphered after a year-long effort, employing advanced X-ray and computer technology during its restoration at the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum. The text, however, presented challenges due to illegibility and damage sustained over centuries.
Dr. Markus Soltz, an archaeologist from Frankfurt and Latin expert at Goethe University, led the deciphering project, ultimately revealing 18 lines of text. This discovery, while seemingly modest to the untrained eye, represents a breakthrough in modern archaeology, facilitating the exploration of historical secrets.
As researchers delve into the implications of this finding, questions remain regarding the identity of the individual buried in grave 134. Was he among the first Christians in the region or a visitor from southern territories? The analysis of this artifact is just beginning, leaving the mystery of the man interred in Nida approximately 1,800 years ago unresolved.