Archaeologists working at the Türkmen Karahöyük excavation site near Konya, central Turkey, have announced the discovery of a 1,500‑year‑old Christian amulet. The small copper‑cased artifact contains a paper‑thin, 0.1‑millimeter gold sheet on which experts believe a biblical passage was once inscribed.
Details of the find
The international team, comprising roughly 60 researchers from 13 countries, uncovered the amulet while investigating a multilayered settlement that spans from the Late Hellenistic period back to the Bronze Age. The amulet dates to the fourth or fifth centuries A.D., a formative era for early Christianity.
According to excavation co‑director Michele Rüzgar Massa, such amulets are rare. “As far as we know, one similar example was found in Germany,” Massa said, adding that the piece likely belonged to a small child and functioned much like an evil‑eye charm, offering protection through faith.
Other artifacts at the site
In addition to the amulet, archaeologists recovered a stone seal bearing the name “Kurunti‑ziti,” linked to the Hittite deity Kurunta, as well as two copper seals and a clay seal impression. The stone seal dates to roughly 1500‑1400 B.C., suggesting the site served as a significant administrative center during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Deputy excavation director Hüseyin Erpehlivan emphasized the importance of the location, noting that Konya sits at the heart of Anatolia where many cultures intersect. He described Türkmen Karahöyük as a site that is not limited to a single historical period, highlighting its value for Anatolian archaeology.
Recent biblical‑related discoveries in Turkey
The amulet joins a series of recent finds in Turkey with biblical connections, including a 2,500‑year‑old marble statue from Sardis and an ancient mosaic uncovered in Smyrna (modern‑day İzmir). These discoveries underscore the region’s rich religious heritage and its relevance to scholars of early Christianity.
While the exact biblical passage on the gold sheet remains unidentified, researchers are carefully cleaning and examining the artifact to determine its content. If confirmed, the inscription could provide new insight into the scriptural texts valued by early Christian communities.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
