Holy, holy, holy! Christians have been using this spell, which protects against all misfortunes, for nearly 2000 years.

The size of the amulet was only a few centimeters.

Scientists, led by Markus Scholz, a professor at the Goethe University Institute of Archaeological Sciences in Frankfurt, decoded the inscription on a miniature scroll made of silver foil, which was rolled up and placed inside an ancient amulet that protected its owner from various misfortunes nearly 2000 years ago.

“In an era when advanced medical knowledge was lacking, such amulets – phylacteries – were vital sources of comfort and safety,” the experts explained.

The amulet itself was discovered in Frankfurt, in an area that was part of the Roman Empire at the time. It was found in the ancient grave of a person who, despite the “protection,” still died sometime between 230 and 270 AD but at a very old age. During his life, he wore the amulet on a cord around his neck, openly and without concealment. He was buried with it.

The text of the scroll came as a surprise to researchers – 18 lines that were literally resurrected from oblivion by specialists from the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA) in Mainz.

A digital copy of the silver foil with Christian text.

Firstly, the inscription was written in Latin – essentially, the official language of the Roman Empire. Unlike the usual texts of this kind, which were typically in Hebrew or Greek.

Secondly, the text itself indicated that Christian ideas and beliefs had already penetrated far north of the Alps – to regions distant from the early centers of Christianity.

Thirdly, the Frankfurt text does not mention any other faith. It calls upon Jesus Christ, rather than demons or other supernatural entities.

In fact, all of this was unexpected. According to widespread beliefs, in the 2nd-3rd centuries, Christians were considered sectarians practicing a “new and harmful superstition,” labeled as misanthropes, and were persecuted almost everywhere. Christians were forced to hide and practice their faith in secret, often in concealment. For example, in Roman catacombs.

The Roman Empire during the time of the amulet found in Germany.

In those distant times, it was said: “When the Tiber overflows to the city walls - Christians to the lions.” Meaning for public consumption, to be devoured before the crowd worshipping numerous Greek and Roman gods.

Or: “If the gods do not provide rain, then let’s go after the Christians.” That is, to beat them for the gods’ anger.

By the way, in a somewhat distorted form – the guilty have switched places – the last saying has survived to our times: “If there’s no water in the tap, then someone drank it…” Well, you know who.

The conclusion: Christianity “captured the masses” about 100 years earlier than previously thought. This is precisely what historians see as a sensation.

The text from the amulet reads literally (the question marks indicate details that remain unclear):

(In the name of?) Saint Titus. Holy, holy, holy!

In the name of Jesus Christ, Son of God! The Lord of peace withstands [strong forces?] all attacks(?)/failures(?).

God (?) grants access to well-being. May this means of salvation (?) protect the person who surrenders to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for before Jesus Christ, every knee bows: those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and every tongue confesses (Jesus Christ).

The “Frankfurt text” was deciphered thanks to the efforts of LEIZA specialists since 2018 – from the moment the amulet was found. They did not physically unroll the scroll but created a 3D model of it. As a result, the lines inscribed on the silver foil were revealed using computer tomography. These were then deciphered by the professor.

Holy, holy, holy! – we still repeat this today, warding off various calamities. Ancient Christians also carried these words in their amulets. Perhaps it’s worth reviving the tradition in these troubled times?