German archaeologists have found a remarkable artifact that proves to be the earliest known evidence of Christianity north of Italy. The so-called “Frankfurt silver inscription” is a rare and important find that provides insight into how Christianity spread during the third century of the Roman Empire.
Uncovering a Hidden Treasure
This silver foil, with 18 lines of Latin text in an inscription, was discovered for the first time in 2018 in a third-century grave in Hesse, Germany. Now, after extensive study of this foil encased in a small amulet, a reveal has been made by the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum. Scholars date the artifact to the period between 230 and 260 A.D.-a find so important that it will help scholars get a clear view of how Christianity spread in this area.
It commences with an invocation: “In the name of Saint Titus, Holy, holy, holy! In the name of Jesus Christ, God’s Son!” This reference to Saint Titus, companion of Paul the Apostle, underscores the early Christian roots embedded in the artifact.
Decoding the Ancient Text
The fragile and deteriorated nature of the artifact made things quite difficult for the researchers. With the help of advanced imaging techniques, such as computed tomography, experts digitally unwrapped the crumpled foil, which had been compressed for almost two millennia. After months of collaboration by theologians and historians, the Latin text was fully deciphered and translated.
The inscription invokes God’s protection through Jesus Christ and names Him “God’s Son.” It speaks of another Christian theological tenet with its invocation of “the heavenly, the earthly, and the underground,” which had few equals in the ancient profession of faith.
A Totally Christian Artifact
What is unique with this artifact, however, is that it bears exclusively Christian content. While most amulets of this period contain elements of Judaism or paganism mixed with Christianity, this inscription contains no references to other faiths. The museum’s analysis emphasized this singularity, noting that such “purely Christian” inscriptions were uncommon until at least the fifth century.
The choice of Latin over the more typical Greek or Hebrew adds another layer of intrigue. According to Markus Scholz, a professor at Goethe University involved in the translation, the use of Latin demonstrates the writer’s sophisticated command of the language, making the inscription an exceptional piece of early Christian literature.
This find is of global significance for early Christianity scholars. It provides unique evidence of the life of early Christians in the northern Alpine regions during the third century. According to a statement by the museum, evidence proving the presence of Christianity in this area usually dates to about 50 years later.
