A striking discovery was recently made by a team of archaeologists from Innsbruck University in southern Austria during their excavations at the site of a church. They uncovered a marble shrine containing a 1,500-year-old ivory box adorned with Christian motifs, which they believe may be connected to Moses receiving the Ten Commandments.
The item was found under an altar inside a chapel at the summit of Burgbichl, a small hill in the municipality of Irschen. According to lead archaeologist Gerald Grabherr, this finding is quite rare, as there are only around 40 ivory boxes of this kind worldwide, and the last time one was found during excavations was approximately a century ago. Most of these boxes are either preserved in cathedral treasures or exhibited in museums, making this discovery even more extraordinary.
The ivory box showcased various Christian motifs, including a depiction of a man receiving something from a hand rising out of the sky, followed by images of biblical figures. Grabherr described this as the typical depiction of Moses receiving the laws on Mount Sinai, signifying the start of the covenant between God and man from the Old Testament. Additionally, another motif was found that depicted a man in a chariot being pulled up into heaven by a hand coming out of the clouds, representing the ascension of Christ, which was previously unknown and quite special.
In addition to the shrine, the team also discovered two Christian churches, a cistern, and personal belongings of the settlement’s former inhabitants, shedding light on the history of the area during the end of the Roman Empire. Researchers are now delving into further investigations to determine the origin of the ivory, as well as the metallic components and wooden parts found in the marble box.
Overall, the archaeological and art-historical significance of this discovery is undeniable. It offers valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of late antiquity, connecting scenes from the Old Testament with those from the New Testament, and enriching our understanding of this pivotal period in history.
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In conclusion, the recent discovery of the ancient relic in Austria opens up new possibilities for understanding the religious and cultural practices of the past. The intricate Christian motifs on the ivory box, along with its rare depiction of the ascension of Christ, offer valuable glimpses into the beliefs and artistic expressions of late antiquity. As further research is conducted, we can look forward to learning more about this remarkable find and the historical context surrounding it.