In a discovery that could rewrite the early history of Christianity, archaeologists in Frankfurt, Germany, have deciphered an 1,800-year-old silver amulet bearing what is now considered the oldest known Christian inscription north of the Alps. This extraordinary find comes just in time for the Christmas season, offering a profound connection to the faith’s early roots in Europe.
The amulet, unearthed in 2018 at a burial site on Frankfurt’s outskirts, contained a delicate silver scroll inscribed with a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as the “Son of God.” Hidden beneath the chin of a man’s skeleton, this artifact dates back to between 230 and 270 AD, a period when paganism and Judaism dominated the region. Until now, no authentic evidence of early Christianity in this part of Europe had been uncovered.
Frankfurt’s Mayor Mike Josef hailed the discovery as a historic milestone. “This is the first Christian find north of the Alps, and it comes from our city. We can be proud of that—especially now, so close to Christmas,” Josef said.
The scroll, dubbed the “Frankfurt silver inscription,” measures just 1.4 inches and features 18 intricately engraved lines. Using advanced computer tomography (CT) technology, researchers from the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA) digitally “unrolled” and pieced together the text. The inscription contains a powerful declaration of faith:
> “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 [or 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).”
This remarkable discovery, free from pagan or Jewish influences, underscores a purely Christian faith. It prominently references Saint Titus, a missionary and early church leader, and solidifies the presence of Christianity in the region long before previously believed.
The man buried with the amulet was likely a devout Christian, as indicated by the protective charm he presumably wore around his neck and other grave goods, including an incense bowl and a clay jug. At the time of his death, Christians still faced persecution, making this artifact even more significant.
“This extraordinary find affects many areas of research and will keep science busy for a long time to come,” said Ina Hartwig, Frankfurt’s head of culture and science. “It’s an extraordinary contribution to archaeology, religious studies, and anthropology.”
The discovery adds to a growing body of evidence of early Christianity’s spread, such as the Megiddo Mosaic proclaiming “Jesus is God” and a recently unearthed manuscript detailing Christ’s childhood. The Frankfurt amulet, however, stands apart as a singular testament to faith in an area previously thought to be untouched by Christianity during this era.
As we celebrate the Christmas season, this divine discovery reminds us of the enduring power and resilience of the Christian faith—a faith that continues to inspire and unite believers across centuries and continents.
