Rare bronze amulet depicting King Solomon unearthed in Turkey
Archaeologists have unearthed a 1,600-year-old amulet in Turkey depicting King Solomon killing a demon. This amulet likely belonged to a cavalryman stationed in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis and is considered by researchers to be a unique piece of Christian sacred art in Anatolia.
3:52 PM EST, November 24, 2024
In Turkey, archaeologists have discovered a rare amulet, dating back to the 5th century, made of bronze, that shows King Solomon on horseback spearing a demon. Solomon was the biblical king of Israel, the son and successor of King David, who, according to biblical tradition, was renowned for his wisdom. As reported by Live Science, this is the first artifact of its kind found in Anatolia, which comprises a large portion of modern-day Turkey.
Unique amulet from Turkey
On one side of the amulet, there is an inscription in ancient Greek translated as: "Our Lord defeated evil." The reverse side features the names of four angels: Azrael, Gabriel, Michael, and Israfel. According to Dr. Ersin Çelikbaş from Karabük University, who led the excavations, the amulet served both as a religious symbol and a protective talisman.
"Solomon is an important figure in all three holy religions. While he is referred to as a ruler in the Torah and the Bible, he is also recognized as a prophet in Islam, is an important figure in all three monotheistic religions," explained Çelikbaş in a press statement. Although archaeological sources about his reign are scarce, in Christian tradition, he is seen as a symbol of power and protection.
Hadrianopolis, where the amulet was found, is an ancient city in the Paphlagonia region on the northern coast of present-day Turkey. The town, founded during Roman times in honor of Emperor Hadrian, flourished in the early Byzantine period. Excavations in this area have revealed animal mosaics, baths, churches, and fortifications, among other findings.
The amulet was discovered in a building that may have had a military purpose. As Çelikbaş noted, earlier studies indicated the presence of a cavalry unit in Hadrianopolis. "Prophet Solomon is also known as the commander of armies. We understand that he was also considered as a protective figure for the Roman and Byzantine cavalry in Hadrianopolis," added the archaeologist.
The artifact is dated to the 5th century when Hadrianopolis was part of the Byzantine Empire. Çelikbaş compared this find to a similar amulet discovered in Jerusalem, which may highlight the religious significance of Hadrianopolis in antiquity. Currently, the amulet is in a research laboratory but is slated to be moved to a museum, where it will be available for public viewing.
