1,700-Year-Old Scroll Discovered Naming Jesus Christ as “Lord of the World”

Archaeologists have discovered a 1,700-year-old scroll in which Jesus Christ is referred to as the “Lord of the World.”

German archaeologists in Frankfurt discovered a silver amulet (armband) inside a 1,750-year-old grave during excavations in 2018, and upon finding it, they discovered a scroll within the amulet. However, reading the inscriptions on this ancient scroll took several years. Since the scroll was extremely fragile, it was impossible to open it by hand as the valuable artifact risked being destroyed. Experts attempted to use X-rays and microscopes, but unfortunately this method proved inadequate.

They then decided to use a new method involving three-dimensional X-rays called computed tomography. This method involves scanning thin sections of the scroll and digitally placing the scans alongside each other, allowing the note to be virtually opened.

The method proved successful, and experts found 18 lines of Latin inscriptions on this delicate scroll. Linguists also spent several months deciphering the text, which produced excellent results. This ancient inscription clearly refers to Christianity and is considered the oldest physical evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.

The translation of the aforementioned inscription reads: “In the name of Saint Titus. Holy, holy, holy! In the name of Jesus Christ, Lord of the World, with power against all attacks, defeats, and resistance. The Lord opens the way to the enjoyment of comfort. May this be a means of salvation, protecting a man who submits himself to the will of Jesus Christ, for in the presence of Jesus Christ every knee bends. Those who are in heaven, those who are on earth, and those who are under the earth, and every tongue confesses Jesus Christ.”

Archaeologists have estimated the age of this amulet to be between 230 and 270 CE, a time when Christians under Roman imperial rule endured considerable persecution. Although Christianity’s popularity was growing at that time, being identified as a Christian was still dangerous. At that time, the Romans controlled present-day Frankfurt.

Archaeologists stated that the grave in which the aforementioned amulet was discovered belonged to a faithful Christian man who wore it by tying it around his neck, similar to an amulet worn by Jews. Authorities also shared photos of the amulet, scroll, and inscription on Facebook.

Experts referred to this amulet as an extraordinary, exciting, and important discovery for the history of Christianity. They believe that the text of this amulet will raise new questions for archaeologists, historians, and theology specialists.