Thursday, January 16th, 2025

Good Morning! 🌞 

Archeology

Shocking Artifact: Ancient Christian Phylactery Deciphered

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in a 3rd-century Roman grave near Frankfurt, Germany, uncovering the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. The artifact, a silver phylactery in the form of a pendent or amulet, known as the “Frankfurt Silver Inscription,” dates back to approximately 230-270 AD, predating previously known Christian artifacts in the region by nearly 50 years. This extraordinary find sheds new light early Christianity and its spread in Roman Europe.

The Discovery and Its Significance

The silver amulet was unearthed during a 2017-2018 excavation of a Roman cemetery in the Heilmannstraße area, the site of the ancient Roman city of Nida. Among the 127 graves examined, one stood out—a burial containing the remains of a man aged 35-45, accompanied by grave goods such as an incense burner and pottery. Beneath the man’s chin, archaeologists discovered a small rolled silver foil. The silver foil, likely worn as a pendent, is classified as a phylactery which is a rolled up or prayer or piece of scripture worn on the body. This practice originated in ancient Judaism and was carried forward into Christianity.

Because the silver foil was so old and delicate, it could not be unrolled and read. However, recently using advanced computer tomography at the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA) in Mainz, researchers digitally “unrolled” the fragile artifact, revealing an 18-line Latin inscription with exclusively Christian content.

The text of the Frankfurt Silver Inscription translated into English:
(In the name?) of St. Titus.
Holy, holy, holy!
In the name of Jesus Christ, Son of God!
The lord of the world
resists to the best of his [ability?]
all seizures(?)/setbacks(?).
The god(?) grants well-being
Admission.
This rescue device(?) protects
the person who
surrenders to the will
of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
since before Jesus Christ
bend all knees: the heavenly ones,
the earthly and
the subterranean, and every tongue
confess (to Jesus Christ).

The text begins with a reference to Saint Titus, a disciple of the Apostle Paul, and includes invocations like “Holy, holy, holy!” and “In the name of Jesus Christ, Son of God.” It also features a quotation from Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Phil. 2:10-11). The prayer also seems to be, at least in part, asking for the health of the wearer which has been found on other similar artifacts. Prof. Dr. Markus Scholz of Goethe University, Frankfurt, noted the text's sophistication and its purely Christian content, which is an exceptional find for the time.

Broader Implications

This discovery has profound implications for archaeology, theology, and Roman history. It provides tangible evidence of Christianity in the region several decades earlier than previously documented. Historical records had suggested the presence of Christian communities in Gaul and Upper Germania as early as the late 2nd century, but physical proof north of the Alps was limited to the 4th century.

The Frankfurt Silver Inscription is also an very interesting addition to certain debates between Christian traditions, some of which hold to the idea that certain practices, like asking for the prayers of saints, were a later addition to Christianity. Other traditions, hold to the belief that these were practiced from its inception. Archeological discoveries such as this push the timeline closer to the beginning of Christianity. It also highlights the early influence of Christian liturgy and scripture in shaping religious practices.

Lifestyle

Americans Focusing on Financial Habits

A recent survey of 2,000 adults reveals that many Americans are determined to improve their financial habits in 2025, with nearly half planning to scale back on social activities and spending in January. This post-holiday financial reset reflects a broader commitment to fiscal responsibility as individuals aim to recover from seasonal expenses and set the tone for a more disciplined year. The survey, commissioned by global savings platform Raisin and conducted by Talker Research, underscores the importance of financial planning and literacy in achieving these goals.

However, the findings also highlight significant gaps in financial knowledge. While many respondents expressed a desire to improve their financial understanding, a notable number struggle with basic concepts such as interest rates, the meaning of APR (annual percentage rate), and APY (annual percentage yield). These knowledge gaps may contribute to unmet goals, as many admitted falling short of their 2024 resolutions, which included:

• Not saving enough money (51%)

• Not staying as active as planned (38%)

• Not traveling enough (32%)

• Not spending money thoughtfully (31%)

To turn things around, respondents are adopting more mindful financial strategies for 2025. Many plan to limit spending to necessities, while others intend to pause discretionary activities such as dining out or dating, potentially saving an estimated $3,000. Cetin Duransoy, CEO of Raisin, emphasized the importance of financial planning. These steps reflect a growing commitment to achieving financial well-being in the new year.

US News

Saving a Stranger’s Home

A new brush fire broke out last week near Runyan Canyon, threatening Hollywood Boulevard. Evacuation orders were issued, but some residents stayed behind and worked together to prevent a disaster. The fire’s embers ignited a palm tree above an evacuated house. A group of neighbors quickly responded, using a ladder and hoses to extinguish the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby homes.

An ABC-7 news crew reported from the scene, with reporter Tim Caputo describing the situation: “The concern is all these ashes are falling on top of this house and the house next door. One house on fire can quickly lead to more.” Caputo later spoke to Tony, one of the neighbors who helped: “The balcony was on fire, so I grabbed the garden hose. They had a Ring camera and asked what I was doing. I told them their house was on fire and I was trying to save it.” After 40 minutes of spraying water, the embers were finally put out.

The Los Angeles Fire Department contained the fire by midnight, and evacuation orders were lifted on Thursday. The neighbors' quick actions likely saved many homes from the flames.

Support Daily Upsider!

Help our mission to share positive, meaningful news! Your support keeps us going without the need to bombard you with annoying ads!

Mind Stretchers

⁉️

How many sides does a circle have?

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:

How can you make 60 using the same number three times, but not 20? — 55+5 =60! Nobody got this correct today 😆 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to[email protected]or reply to email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.