During recent excavations in the Heilmannstraße region of Frankfurt, archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on the early Christian presence north of the Alps. The find took place in a Roman cemetery within the ancient city of Nida, where a total of 127 graves were unearthed between 2017 and 2018.

Among these graves was that of a middle-aged man, estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old, who was buried with an array of artifacts. These included pottery, an incense burner, and a small silver amulet, which has since become the focal point of scholarly attention. The amulet, fashioned from rolled silver foil, was found positioned beneath the man’s chin, indicating that it had been worn as a necklace during his lifetime.

After nearly 1,800 years of being buried underground, the delicate silver foil had become compressed, posing significant challenges for analysis. In order to study the artifact without risking damage, researchers turned to advanced computer tomography (CT) technology. This non-invasive approach, conducted at the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA), enabled the team to digitally “unroll” the scroll-like amulet, revealing an 18-line Latin text inscribed upon it.

The discovery of this intricate Latin text on the silver amulet has sparked renewed interest in the early Christian community in the region. It provides valuable insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the inhabitants of ancient Nida, offering a glimpse into a world where Christianity was still a burgeoning faith.

Overall, the unearthing of the silver amulet in the Roman grave in Frankfurt represents a significant milestone in our understanding of the cultural and religious landscape of the area. It serves as a reminder of the profound historical riches waiting to be discovered beneath the earth’s surface, waiting to reveal the secrets of the past to those willing to explore and unravel their mysteries.