6th century Christian relic found in Jerusalem

(Photograph)

As reported by The Associated Press, Nov. 1, 2011:

Israeli archaeologists say they have found a tiny, 1,400-year-old token of Christian faith among the remains of an ancient road in Jerusalem.

The finding, an exquisitely made 0.8 inch-by-0.6-inch (2 centimeter by 1.5 centimeter) box of bone with a cross carved on the lid, was likely carried by a Christian believer around the end of the 6th century A.D.

When its lid is removed, the remains of two portraits are still visible in gold and paint - a man and a woman, possibly Jesus and Mary.

Archaeologist Yana Tchekhanovets of the Israel Antiquities Authority said Sunday that the box is the first well preserved example of its kind and is important because it shows that icon use was not limited to church ceremonies in Byzantine times.

See also this article.