During recent excavations in the ancient city of Adrianople, Turkey, archaeologists uncovered a 5th-century AD amulet depicting the prophet Solomon on a horse piercing a demon with a spear. This significant discovery highlights the historical and religious importance of the region, writes Arkeonews.
Adrianople has been inhabited since the late Eneolithic, Roman, and early Byzantine periods. The excavations, led by Associate Professor Ersin Çelikbaş from the Faculty of Literature at Karabük University, aim to unveil the city's rich past.
Discussing the find, the researcher emphasized the artifact as a pendant amulet featuring inscriptions and images that hold great significance for Anatolian archaeology. He noted its uniqueness, as similar items had not been previously found in this region.
The amulet portrays the prophet Solomon—a key figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In this artifact, Solomon is depicted as a warrior conquering evil, aligning with the historical and religious portrayal of him as a ruler and commander of armies.
The amulet also bears the inscription: "Our Lord has conquered evil," reinforcing its connection to themes of divine protection and triumph. On the reverse side, the names of four angels—Azrael, Gabriel, Michael, and Israfil—are inscribed, further enhancing its religious significance.
The researcher noted that the finding in Adrianople is linked to the city's military history, as previous discoveries indicated the presence of a cavalry unit. He suggests that the amulet may have belonged to one of the Roman or Byzantine soldiers stationed there.
Furthermore, this discovery connects Anatolia to a broader religious narrative, as similar artifacts have only been found in Israel.
The presence of these amulets in remote locations underscores the historical significance of the region as a religious and cultural center. This finding contributes to the understanding of Anatolia's diverse historical and spiritual heritage, affirming its importance.
We also reported on the ancient tomb complex discovered in Malta. Scholars believe that the burials date back 2300 years.