A unique hollow cross with a preserved relic was discovered in ancient Lystra
Categories: Nálezy nejenom s detektorem na blízkém východě
Archaeologists in central Turkey have discovered an extraordinary artefact: a sealed and still unopened bronze reliquary cross from the 9th-11th centuries with its original contents. The discovery was made during a systematic excavation of an early medieval church in the ancient city of Lystra in today's Konya province. To avoid damaging its contents, experts have so far only cautiously peered inside.
The archaeologists first discovered the remains of a basilica about 30 metres long dating back to late antiquity, which was used without interruption in the early Middle Ages. The building had richly decorated interiors with gilded ceiling mosaics and decorated walls, which testifies to its exceptional representative function. According to archaeologists, it was the main city church, corresponding to the level of a bishop's seat and one of the important centres of early Christianity in Central Anatolia.
This year's excavations at the church uncovered graves with metal crosses, jewels and several reliquaries; but they were damaged, open or only partially preserved. The only exception is a completely intact bronze reliquary cross. It consists of two parts permanently joined by rivets, without a hinge or opening mechanism. The outer side is decorated with geometric motifs with circumpunctures and parallel lines, typical of the early medieval Byzantine region. According to the eyelet with hinge, it was worn as a pendant.
Similar hollow crosses were mainly used as personal containers for relics. They contained parts of textiles, bone fragments or other objects considered holy. They were artifacts of personal piety, protection and identity. They were usually openable. A permanently closed reliquary seems to have had a special meaning that did not presuppose human intervention or control. Its contents thus remained hidden for at least a thousand years.
During conservation, corrosion layers and impurities were removed, but the cross itself remained deliberately unopened. The experts decided to respect its original construction and its obscure contents. Only a limited visual inspection through a small gap revealed the presence of textile material that looks like part of a shroud.
Sources: heritagedaily.com, thehistoryblog.com, aa.com.tr
At least 1000 year old reliquary cross with original contents in excellent condition
The cross is still sealed
excavation of the church
The article is included in categories: