In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed a significant artifact near the village of Debelt in southeastern Bulgaria. This relic, a rolled-up silver amulet dating back to the late second or early third century AD, is the oldest known Christian relic in Bulgaria. Found at the site of the ancient Roman colony Deultum, this discovery sheds new light on the early presence of Christianity in the region.
Hidden Christian Practice and Belief in the Roman World
The remarkable silver amulet was discovered in the summer of 2023 during excavations in the Deultum-Debelt National Archaeological Reserve, located near Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline. Archaeologists were investigating a Roman-era necropolis when they found the rolled-up silver sheet in a tomb alongside the remains of a young man, buried around 200 AD. This amulet was the only Christian relic found during these excavations, adding to its significance.
Dora Todorova, a curator at the Deultum-Debelt National Archaeological Reserve Museum, explained to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) that early Christians used various symbols to refer to Christ and often kept their faith hidden. In this case, the amulet was placed near the head of the buried individual, away from public view. The name of Christ was written in Greek at the top of the amulet, and the cross was cleverly incorporated into it.
Seeking the Protection of Christ
Initially mistaken for a silver ingot, the amulet was soon identified as a tightly rolled and extremely thin sheet of silver. Despite being nearly 2,000 years old, it was well-preserved and could still be unrolled. Archaeologists believe it was likely kept inside a leather or fabric holder and either worn around the neck or hidden in clothing.
Renowned epigrapher Dr. Nikolay Sharankov, along with experts from the Deultum-Debelt National Archaeological Reserve, deciphered the amulet’s inscription. It included lines dedicated to Christ, Gabriel, and Michael, as well as the ancient Greek word for ‘Guardian.’ This suggests that the amulet was intended to protect its wearer from harm.
Deultum: Roman Colony and Early Christian Outpost
Founded as a Greek colony in the seventh century BC, Deultum was an important trading center connecting the Greek and Thracian worlds. The Roman Empire annexed the settlement in 70 AD, and it was later repurposed by Emperor Vespasian as a colony for retired veterans of the Legio VIII Augusta. Deultum was the second Roman colony on the Balkan Peninsula and the only one in modern-day Bulgaria.
During its peak in the late second and early third centuries AD, Deultum was a thriving port town on the Sredetska River, providing direct access to the Black Sea. It was a bustling trading hub and known for its productive copper mines. Although early Christians often kept their practices discreet, Deultum was a center of open Christian worship during the Roman era. The diocese of Develtos was founded in the region in the second century, and Deultum was the first Bulgarian town known to have a Christian bishop.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 1,800-year-old silver amulet in Deultum offers a fascinating glimpse into the early presence of Christianity in Bulgaria. This relic, hidden for nearly two millennia, reveals the faith and practices of early Christians in a Roman colony. As archaeologists continue to explore the Deultum region, there is hope that more such discoveries will be made, further illuminating the history of Christianity in the area.
