Ancient Amulet Found in Germany Rewrites Christian History

A small silver amulet, recently deciphered by researchers, has been discovered in a Roman grave near Frankfurt, Germany, and is believed to be the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps, dating back approximately 1,800 years. Known as the 'Frankfurt Silver Inscription,' the amulet measures 1.4 inches and contains a wafer-thin silver foil with an 18-line Latin inscription dedicated to Jesus Christ. This find, presented to the public in December, was buried with a man aged between 25 and 35 and is significant because it solely references Christian faith, contrasting with typical amulets of the time that often mixed religious elements. The inscription includes phrases like 'Holy, holy, holy!' and lines from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, predating previous known uses by nearly a century. Experts, including Professor Markus Scholz from Goethe University, highlight the amulet's potential to reshape the narrative of early Christianity's spread during a period of persecution. Frankfurt Mayor Mike Josef praised the find as an academic sensation that rewrites local history, especially in light of the approaching Christmas season.