Archaeologists Discover 1,500-Year-Old Christian Amulet in Central Turkey

An international team of researchers has uncovered a 1,500-year-old Christian amulet at the Türkmen Karahöyük archaeological site in Turkey’s Konya province. The artifact, dating back to the fourth or fifth century A.D., consists of a copper case containing a thin gold sheet. Excavation co-director Michele Rüzgar Massa stated that the sheet likely contains an inscribed biblical passage, though the specific text has not yet been identified.

Researchers suggest the amulet may have served as a form of spiritual protection, potentially worn by a child in a manner similar to an evil-eye charm. The team noted that such artifacts are rare, with only one comparable example previously discovered in Germany. The excavation at Türkmen Karahöyük, which involves approximately 60 researchers from 13 countries, has also yielded significant findings from the Bronze and Iron Ages, including seals bearing Luwian inscriptions. These discoveries reinforce the site's historical status as a major administrative center at the intersection of ancient cultures.