The discovery of a skeletal amulet may provide clues about the spread of Christianity

A small silver amulet found from a skeleton in a nearly 2,000-year-old grave in Frankfurt, Germany, may offer new insights into the early spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

German officials announced the discovery last week – a small piece of silver foil measuring less than 1.5 inches found in a tomb dating to between 230 and 270 AD and engraved with 18 lines of religious text . It represents the earliest known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps and predates other archaeological evidence of the religion’s spread in this region by decades.

“This extraordinary find touches on many areas of research and will keep science busy for a long time,” said Dr. Ina Hartwig, Frankfurt’s head of culture and science, in a translated statement from the city. This applies to archeology as well as religious studies, philology and anthropology. Such an important find here in Frankfurt is truly something extraordinary.”

Blast from the past:Researchers discover the oldest US weapon, dating back almost 500 years

Six years of discovery

The amulet was first discovered in 2018 during an excavation of the former ancient Roman city of Nida, outside the current city of Frankfurt.

“During the excavation, not just a grave, but an entire Roman cemetery was uncovered,” said Marcus Gwechenberger, head of the Frankfurt Department for Planning and Housing. “These are finds of inestimable value.”